Urethral erosion of tension-free vaginal tape presenting as recurrent stress urinary incontinence

Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2004 Sep-Oct;15(5):353-5. doi: 10.1007/s00192-004-1158-4. Epub 2004 May 14.

Abstract

The suburethral sling with tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) has become a popular treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Erosion of the mesh into the urethra is rare, usually presenting with hematuria, pain, voiding dysfunction or urge incontinence. A patient with stress incontinence was treated with a TVT suburethral sling. One month later, symptoms of recurrent stress incontinence developed. Cystourethroscopy revealed urethral mesh erosion. Surgical removal involved cystourethroscopic-assisted transurethral resection of the mesh, followed by vaginal dissection and periurethral withdrawal. Urethral mesh erosion should be considered in a patient who presents with atypical symptoms after being treated with a suburethral sling. It is important to obtain a detailed history and have a high clinical index of suspicion for erosion. Careful and comprehensive urethroscopy, in addition to cystoscopy, should be a mandatory part of the TVT procedure. Further study is needed to determine the optimal technique for mesh removal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostheses and Implants / adverse effects
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Recurrence
  • Surgical Mesh / adverse effects
  • Urethral Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Urethral Diseases / etiology
  • Urethral Diseases / pathology
  • Urethral Diseases / surgery
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress / etiology
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress / pathology
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress / surgery
  • Vaginal Diseases / surgery*