The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, demographics and complications of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery across races in the United States (US) in 2003. We hypothesized that there would be racial differences in surgical rates. Data from the 2003 National Census and National Hospital Discharge Survey were used. Continuous variables were tested for statistical significance by one-way analysis of variance and categorical variables by chi2 analysis. 129,778 women underwent SUI surgery in the US in 2003, a rate of 12 surgical procedures per 10,000 women (95% CI 10-14). By race, rates (per 10,000 women, 95% CI) of SUI surgery were: ten (7-12) in white women, three (0-9) in black women, and six (0-13) in women of other races. Racial disparities in the receipt of SUI surgery may exist.