Immediate complications of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT): results of a French survey

Abstract

Background The aim was to evaluate morbidity following operation using tension-free vaginal tape (TVT). Methods Between June 2002 and June 2003, a questionnaire was sent to French gynecologists and urologists. Participants reported the number of TVT procedures performed before January 2002, number of minor or major pre- and post-operative complications. Results The questionnaire was returned by 92 participants (21 urologists and 71 gynecologists) who reported 12,280 TVT procedures (median: 100, minimum: 5, maximum: 2100). Overall, 901 preoperative bladder injuries were reported (7.34%). For 809 patients (6.59%), complete post-operative urinary retention requiring catheterization was noted. There were 26 cases of vaginal defect healing (0.21%). Retropubic or vulvovaginal hematoma was reported for 39 patients (0.32%). Ten major organ injuries were reported (0.08%): one obturator nerve injury, three bowel perforations, four vessel injuries and two ureteral injuries. Conclusion The risk of major complications following the use of tension-free vaginal tape is low. However, these potential complications require experienced surgeons for the practice of tension-free vaginal tape.