[Efficacy of suburethral TVT in cases of stress urinary incontinence associated with severe sphincter insufficiency. Report of 22 cases].

INTRODUCTION

The TVT system has revolutionized the management of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Less favourable results have been observed in patients with urinary incontinence associated with a low maximum urethral closing pressure (MUCP). The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of TVT in this situation.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

From October 1999 to June 2001, 22 patients between the ages of 53 and 84 years (median: 66.7 years) were operated for SUI with an MUCP < 25 cm H2O (mean: 17.6 cm H2O, range: 6 to 22 cm H2O) present for more than 8 months (range: 8 to 48 months). Three patients also had associated urgency. The Ulmstem manoeuvre was positive in every case and the Bonney manoeuvre was positive in 19 patients. Insertion of TVT was associated with sacral colpopexy in two patients. Success of treatment was defined by complete absence of incontinence and voiding disorders after the operation.

RESULTS

One patient was lost to follow-up. The median follow-up was 7.5 months (range: 3 to 27 months). The mean duration of bladder catheterization was 1.3 days (range: 1 to 5 days). Fifteen patients were completely cured by TVT (71.4%). In these cases, uroflowmetry and post-voiding volume were not affected by the operation. Treatment was ineffective in 6 patients (4 cases of uncontrolled leaks, one case of de novo urge incontinence, one case of postoperative dysuria with a post-voiding residue of 120 ml).

CONCLUSION

The TVT system appears to be an effective method for the treatment of most patients with SUI associated with severe manometric sphincter incompetence. However, these favourable results need to be confirmed by a longer follow-up.