Long-term results of the tension-free vaginal tape operation in an unselected group of 129 stress incontinent women.

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to examine the long-term effects and effectiveness of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure in an unselected group of women.

METHOD: One hundred and twenty-nine stress urinary incontinent women (including primary, recurrent, mixed, and low pressure urethra cases) were studied prospectively and examined according to a strict protocol at a mean time of 6 years after their TVT operation. Cough and pad tests were used for objective evaluation, whereas visual analog scale and patients' verbal estimation were applied for subjective evaluation.

RESULTS

As assessed by the cough stress test and the pad test, 74 and 81% of the women were totally cured, respectively. Symptoms possibly indicating reduced urine flow were reported from 17% of the women and recurrent urinary tract infections from 9.3% of the women. The de novo urge rate was 4.7%. The tape was visualized in 3.1% of the women and necessitated resection in 1.6% of the cases due to subjective discomfort. No serious or unexpected adverse events were revealed.

CONCLUSION

The TVT operation appears to be a safe and effective anti-incontinence procedure in all female stress incontinence subgroups.