[Results and complications of TVT procedure in the surgical treatment of female stress incontinence].

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). To determine the mid-term outcome of TVT performed during other pelvic floor reconstructive procedures.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

100 women with SUI undergoing TVT procedure under spinal anesthesia from January 2000 to November 2002 were studied. 76 women were treated with TVT alone. 24 patients were treated with TVT and pelvic floor reconstruction: we repaired 24 cystoceles grade II-III, 3 rectoceles and 4 concomitant vaginal histerectomies.

RESULTS

Mean age was 49.3 years (range 35-78). Mean parity: 2 (range 0-6) and mean operative time was 38 minutes (range 20 to 50). The postoperative hospital stay was 24 hours for women treated with TVT alone. Only 1 patient (1%) need bladder catheterization during 7 days due to urinary retention. Mean followup was 18 months (range 12-48). Objective cure rate was 95%. In our study the rate of de novo post-operative urge symptoms (16%) was the most frequent complication. Bladder injury was the most grave problem and it happened in 1 patient (1%).

CONCLUSION

The results confirm the feasibility and safety of TVT for treatment of SUI. Moreover, TVT procedure is economical and efectiveness. Pelvic floor defects, benign uterine disorders and SUI can be safely treated with TVT and vaginal procedures during the same surgical time.