International urogynecology journal
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Mid-urethral tape procedures brought a paradigm shift in surgery for stress incontinence; little research into the development and maintenance of surgical competence for the procedure exists. The hypothesis behind this study is that the "learning curve" for retropubic mid-urethral sling procedures, judged by the surrogate of bladder perforation, is longer than previously thought. ⋯ Whilst seductively simple in concept, mid-urethral tape procedures are not without risk; their inherently "blind" nature makes them difficult to teach. The "learning curve" to independent practice may be longer than previously considered.