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Advanced Technical IVT

Burch colposuspension

Surgical procedure to correct stress urinary incontinence by suspending the bladder neck to Cooper's ligament.

Full Definition

Burch colposuspension, also known as Burch retropubic urethropexy, is a surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence that involves suspending the tissues around the bladder neck and proximal urethra to Cooper's ligament (pecten pubis). The procedure can be performed through open abdominal or laparoscopic approach. Sutures are placed in the periurethral and paravaginal tissues and anchored to Cooper's ligament bilaterally, providing support to the urethrovesical junction. Named after John Burch, this procedure has high success rates but may be associated with postoperative voiding dysfunction and de novo urgency incontinence.

Usage

Usage note: Always capitalize 'Burch' as an eponym; specify approach (open vs. laparoscopic).

In Context

  • "Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension was performed with placement of permanent sutures to Cooper's ligament." — operative report
  • "The patient was counseled about potential complications of Burch colposuspension including voiding dysfunction." — informed consent

Also known as

Burch procedure retropubic urethropexy Burch urethropexy

Don't confuse with

Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure pubovaginal sling TVT procedure

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