This is a report based ONLY on one study and does not at all give the realistic figures. A lot depends on the surgeon also who is doing the operation. Yes there is a higher chance of bladder perforation upto 3% and this is looking at the worldwide data in general. But the bladders heal quite well as long as the injury is away from the ureters. The success reported is usually 85-95% on an average with the retropubic sling. Correct patient selection and informing patients of the complications beforehand and explaining to them the recovery is extremely important. It is an operation which a woman might chose for improved lifestyle as opposed to leaking all the time and wearing pads.If you look at the effect of incontinence on women it is quite severe. However, any similar surgery should be patient choice and an informed decision where the patient understands the risks and decides for herself.