Long-term results of the tension-free vaginal tape operation in an unselected group of 129 stress incontinent women.

Background: This study was undertaken to examine the long-term effects and effectiveness of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure in an unselected group of women.

Method: One hundred and twenty-nine stress urinary incontinent women (including primary, recurrent, mixed, and low pressure urethra cases) were studied prospectively and examined according to a strict protocol at a mean time of 6 years after their TVT operation. Cough and pad tests were used for objective evaluation, whereas visual analog scale and patients' verbal estimation were applied for subjective evaluation.

Results: As assessed by the cough stress test and the pad test, 74 and 81% of the women were totally cured, respectively. Symptoms possibly indicating reduced urine flow were reported from 17% of the women and recurrent urinary tract infections from 9.3% of the women. The de novo urge rate was 4.7%. The tape was visualized in 3.1% of the women and necessitated resection in 1.6% of the cases due to subjective discomfort. No serious or unexpected adverse events were revealed.

Conclusion: The TVT operation appears to be a safe and effective anti-incontinence procedure in all female stress incontinence subgroups.