Purpose: To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes after retropubic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) placement to treat female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Methods: From September 1998 to September 2000, we prospectively enrolled all consecutive women in our center suffering SUI caused by urethral hypermobility. All women had a retropubic TVT inserted by the same surgeon. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter. Postoperative assessment included a measurement of post-voiding residual volume, urinalysis, a 1-hour pad test, a urinary symptom questionnaire, and an assessment of quality-of-life. Objective continence (defined as no urine leakage at clinical examination) and subjective continence (defined as no urine leakage, whatever the mechanism, reported by the patient) were reported.
Results: Overall, 58 consecutive women (median age 59; IQR 49-67; min 21-max 78) were evaluated. Median follow-up was 10.2years (IQR 1.4-16.0; min 1-max 13.2). At the last follow-up, objective and subjective continence rates were 93% and 78%, respectively and remained stable in the long run. Pad tests, urinary symptom questionnaire scores and quality-of-life were significantly improved. Self-intermittent catheterisation was required by three women. A section of one TVT and removal of another tape was undertaken in two women with chronic pelvic pain. One patient had a chronic urinary infection. Rate of de novo urgency was 10%.
Conclusions: TVT implantation offered good and stable functional long-term outcomes. This procedure enhanced quality-of-life and had low morbidity.
Level of evidence: 3.
Keywords: Bandelette sous-urétrale rétropubienne; Female; Femme; Incontinence urinaire d’effort; Stress urinary incontinence; Suburethral sling; TVT.
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