Transobturator tension-free vaginal tape is the most common procedure in women with stress urinary incontinence: our experience

Abstract

Transobturator tension-free vaginal tape (TVT-O) surgery is currently one of the most effective procedures used to treat women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), however, long-term follow-up data in medical literature is scarce. For this study, we enrolled women with SUI assessed by an urodynamic examination and a translabial ultrasound with a pelvic organ prolapse no greater than grade 2. All of the women were also given a pre- and postoperative test to assess their quality of life. They were given a thorough physical examination, asked to keep a voiding diary, and underwent an urodynamic examination and a translabial ultrasound. Additionally, we also further evaluated intraoperative and postoperative complications and the onset of de novo detrusor overactivity after the procedure. We also assessed the long-term efficacy of the TVT-O in those women with SUI caused by sphincter hypotonia. All of the women underwent TVT-O surgery without any associated procedure. Our findings indicate that TVT-O surgery is an effective treatment option for women with SUI, showing a very high cure rate and a low incidence of complications, with sustained outcomes even in the long-term. However, in women with SUI caused by sphincter hypotonia, the excellent outcomes in early stages tend to dwindle over time

Keywords

• stress urinary incontinence
• tension free vaginal tape.