Tension-free vaginal tape versus tension-free vaginal tape obturator (inside-outside) in the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare TVT (tension-free vaginal tape) and TVT-O (tension-free vaginal tape obturator from inside to outside) procedures for the female surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence: results, complications, and effectiveness after 1 year.

Material and methods: A prospective randomized study was carried out. The patients were followed up for 12 months. A total of 114 patients were operated on using TVT procedure and 150 patients - TVT-O procedure. There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, parity, menopausal status, and prolapse (no patients had cystocele greater than stage II) comparing both groups.

Results: The mean time in surgery was significantly shorter in the TVT-O group (19+/-5.6 min) as compared with the TVT group (27+/-7.1 min). No differences in the effectiveness of both procedures were found: TVT - 94.6% and TVT-O - 94.6% after one year, respectively. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the TVT-O group (1.5+/-0.5 days) than in the TVT group (4.0+/-1.6 days). Significantly fewer complications were observed in the TVT-O group.

Conclusion: TVT and TVT-O operations are equally effective for the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. TVT-O group had shorter time in surgery and showed a lower rate of complications.