Current status of fascia lata allograft slings treating urinary incontinence: Effective or ephemeral?

Purpose: The aim of this article is to review the current state and technique of pubovaginal sling construction using cadaveric allograft fascia lata. Materials and Methods: A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify articles in the current literature addressing applications of cadaveric allograft fascia lata for surgical reconstructive procedures. Results: Current series evaluating cadaveric fascia lata allografts for pubovaginal sling find equivalent short-term outcomes when compared to autograft fascia. Long-term follow-up is not yet available for these series. Variability in tissue processing or host factors may account for some failures with cadaveric fascial slings. Conclusions: Cadaveric fascia lata allografts are associated with reasonable efficacy and safety. Longer follow-up is needed. Further study of the relationship between tissue processing methods, surgical techniques, host factors, and outcome is indicated to better assess the long-term role of cadaveric fascia lata allograft for pubovaginal sling.