[Surgical procedure using the tension-free vaginal tape--a safe method for treatment of stress incontinence?].

OBJECTIVE

An importance of knowledge of intraoperative and postoperative complications of tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

DESIGN

A review article.

SETTING

Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, 2nd Medical Faculty Charles University and Faculty Hospital Motol, Prague.

SUBJECT: Complications connected with TVT procedure are classified as intraoperative and postoperative. Postoperative complications are divided into early and late. Bladder perforation is the most common type of intraoperative complication with 0-24% frequency. Hemorrhage (less then 2%) and injury of the obturator nerve (published as case reports only) belong among other intraoperative complications. Voiding difficulties with urinary retention and urge incontinence (about 7%), urinary tract infections (about 4%) and retropubic hematoma (less than 2%) are most frequent postoperative complications. Intestinal perforation, urethral erosion, tape rejection and urethrovaginal fistula belong among very rare but serious complications of TVT procedure. Complications rate relates partly to the experience of the individual surgeon.

CONCLUSION

The tension-free vaginal tape procedure is a safety and effective antiincontinent surgical procedure. High cure rate, low complications rate and short recovery time facilitates this procedure for treatment of stress urinary incontinence to the future.