Tension-free vaginal tape in the management of recurrent stress incontinence.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with failed previous incontinence surgery had a Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) inserted. Preoperative evaluation included uroflow, filing and voiding cystometry, urethral profilometry and a Q-tip test. Factors assessed postoperatively included cure, improvement or failure rates at 20.5 months follow-up, complications, and preoperative and postoperative values of a Q-tip test.

RESULTS

The overall success rate was 70% at a mean of 20.5 months follow up (range 12-29 months). In patients with sufficient preoperative mobility of urethra the success rate was 90%, while in patients with a fixed urethra preoperatively the success rate was 33%.