The benefit of early mobilisation of tension-free vaginal tape in the treatment of post-operative voiding dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of early mobilisation of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in cases of post-operative voiding dysfunction.

METHODS

Thirty-three consecutive cases of early mobilisation of TVT to treat post-operative voiding dysfunction were analysed retrospectively. In each case, the TVT was mobilised and loosened without dividing it, under general anaesthesia, within 2 weeks after the original procedure.

RESULTS

Voiding function subsequently returned to normal in 29 out of 33 women with no recurrence of original stress incontinence. The four remaining women had the tape divided.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that early mobilisation of the TVT allows rapid resolution of post-operative voiding dysfunction without compromising the outcome of the original continence procedure.