Age
In a retrospective analysis of 188,454 women aged ≥18 years who
underwent an index sling between 2001 and 2010, the youngest age group
(18–29 years) was most likely to undergo repeat surgery, while
older-aged individuals were more likely to suffer from impaired detrusor
contractility and a higher risk of urinary retention after sling
surgery.32 In contrast, in our study, the average age
of patients with 5-year surgical complications was higher than those
without complications (60.3 vs 53.1 years, p<0.0001) and,
furthermore, 40.9% of patients with 5-year surgical complications were
aged over 65 years. It is worth mentioning that the study authors of
that retrospective analysis speculated that the strong effect of age
upon the risk of sling revision/removal for mesh erosion may be because
younger women are more sexually active and because sexual activity could
be a risk factor for mesh erosion.32 The study authors
also suggested that younger women who are sexually active may be more
likely to detect mesh erosion and request surgical
management.32