Tension-Free Vaginal Tape and Female Stress Incontinence: Further Evidence of Effectiveness

Abstract

Objectives: Female stress incontinence is a frequent and distressing event with subsequent impact on quality of life. The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) technique is considered to fulfill the criteria for an ideal surgical procedure and we therefore reviewed our cases to further analyze its effectiveness. Materials and Methods: 57 patients suffering from stress incontinence with grade 1–2 cystocele underwent the TVT operation. During follow-up (mean 22.2 months), the short- and long-term results were investigated. Results: 91.3% of patients achieved complete resolution of previous stress incontinence in the early postoperative period. Early complications occurred in 8.7% of patients. Follow-up (mean 22.2 months) highlighted the stabilization of positive outcomes in 87.7% of cases. No postoperative modification of sexual habits and a significant improvement in quality of life were reported by all patients. Conclusion: The results of our study confirm that the TVT technique for stress incontinence is an easy to perform procedure which is safe, effective and long-lasting.