Outcome of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure in women with stress urinary incontinence--patients' perspective

Abstract

This was a subjective review of the success of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure in women with stress urinary incontinence. It was a retrospective study using a postal questionnaire for pre- and postoperative evaluation of symptoms. Ninety-six patients were sent the questionnaire and 71% (n = 68) patients filled in the questionnaire. They were asked about pre- and postoperative symptoms. The enquiry was about their satisfaction with the procedure and its cure rate. A visual analogue scale was used to assess results at least 3 months postoperatively. Eighty-three per cent (n = 56) of patients considered their surgery to be successful and were cured without complications; 7% (n = 5) claimed partial success and 10% (n = 7) reported failure. The majority of patients found the TVT procedure to be simple and effective. Hospital stay was short. Their convalescence was short with early return to work. These observations show clear benefit to the patients' health and Health Service economy.