Abstract: A surgical method for performing laparoscopic urethropexy on a patient is provided. This surgical method comprises the steps of dissecting at least a portion of the space of Retzius in the patient, laparoscopically creating a bore in the pubic bone adjacent the space of Retzius, providing at least one anchor having at least one suture extending therefrom, laparoscopically inserting the anchor in the bore such that the anchor is thereby secured in the bore, and securing the suture to the periurethral tissue adjacent to the urethra to thereby elevate the urethra to the desired angle. The suture is secured to the periurethral tissue by pulling the suture through the periurethral fascia and vaginal mucosa into the vagina, and tying the suture within the vagina. A drill tamper tool for laparoscopically creating the bore in the pubic bone is also provided, along with an anchor-insertion tool, a loaded anchor-insertion tool, and a surgical kit comprising the drill tamper tool and the anchor-insertion tool.

Abstract: An anchor securable within a bore created in bone is provided. The anchor comprises: a body having a longitudinal axis, and proximal and distal ends; at least three wing members extending outwardly from, and secured to the body, each of the wing members capable of being elastically flexed from a normal deployed position to a compressed position, each of the wing members further having an external end positioned away from the body, at least a portion of the external ends of the wing members substantially aligned along a first imaginary plane extending through the body at an angle to a transverse cross-section through the body, this transverse cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body; and an aperture positioned adjacent the proximal end of the body. An anchor-insertion tool, a loaded anchor-insertion tool, and a surgical kit are also provided.

Abstract: A suture retrieval tool for use in a laparoscopic urethropexy procedure is provided. The suture retrieval tool comprises a retrieving end and a handle. The retrieving end has a rigid, rod-like shaft and a sharp tip capable of penetrating periurethral tissue, whereby the retrieving end may be inserted into a vagina, through the vaginal mucosa and periurethral tissue adjacent a urethra, and into the space of Retzius, such that the retrieving end may be employed to snare a suture positioned in the space of Retzius for retrieving the suture into the vagina. The suture retrieval tool also preferably comprises a midshaft positioned between the retrieving end and the handle.

Abstract: A template for guiding at least one suture through the periurethral fascia and vaginal mucosa adjacent a patient's urethra during a urethropexy procedure, wherein the at least one suture is attached to an anchor secured within the body of the patient above the patient's urethra, is provided. The template comprises first and second wing members extending laterally from opposite sides of the template; and at least one suture guide aperture positioned in each of the wing members at a predetermined location; the template configured to be alignable within the vagina of a patient such that one of the wing members will be positioned adjacent either side of the urethra with the at least one guide aperture in each wing member positioned such that a suture may be retrieved from within the patient's body through the at least one aperture. A method for performing a urethropexy procedure employing this template is also provided.