The Impact of Retropubic Lidocaine vs Saline on Postoperative Urinary Retention Following Midurethral Sling

Aim 1: to compare the incidence of urinary retention following retropubic midurethral sling placement in those women receiving normal saline vs lidocaine for retropubic hydrodissection. The investigators will compare rates of failed retrograde voiding trials between patients receiving normal saline to those receiving the same quantity of lidocaine. This will be completed using a standardized retrograde voiding trial 1-2 hours postoperatively (as outlined in "Data and Statistical Methods" below). The investigators hypothesize that patients receiving normal saline compared to a local anesthetic will have a reduction in postoperative urinary retention following retropubic midurethral sling placement.

Aim 2: to assess postoperative pain in women receiving retropubic normal saline vs lidocaine during midurethral sling placement. Postoperatively, subjects will be asked to mark their pain on a VAS scale administered 2 hours and 6 hours following surgery. The initial assessment will be performed by nursing personnel at the time of routine vital sign assessment; the subsequent assessments will be completed by patients with an at-home form through postoperative day #7. Narcotic use will be queried through the electronic medical record as well as with a pain diary administered at time of discharge until postoperative day #7.

Aim 3: to examine differences in patient satisfaction and quality of life following retropubic midurethral sling placement between women receiving retropubic normal saline vs lidocaine at time of midurethral sling placement. Differences in patient satisfaction will be compared using a Likert Scale. Patients will be asked to rate their satisfaction with surgery on a Likert scale (with 1 being the least satisfied and 5 being the most) at their 6 week postoperative follow up visit. The investigators hypothesize that women receiving normal saline for hydrodissection will have improved patient satisfaction as evidenced by higher Likert scores compared to those receiving lidocaine.