Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Procedure for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence: The First Experience in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is gaining popularity as an effective treatment for genuine stress urinary incontinence. To better understand this procedure including its results, a retrospective study was carried out to determine surgical technique, effectiveness, safety and early results of this new continence procedure. Material and Method: From January 1999 to July 2000, twenty female patients with the mean age of 52 years old underwent the TVT procedure. All of them were done by a small incision at mid urethra and a special instrument was used to apply a polypropylene mesh supporting the urethra. Urethral catheter was used as urinary drainage which was removed the next day. Operative time, post-operative course, voiding patterns and residual urine were recorded. Results: Mean operative time was 32 minutes (range 15-45 minutes). Up to 10 months, all of the patients were subjectively cured. There was no significant per- and post-operative complication including blood loss, wound infection and severe pain. Four patients (20%) had marked residual urine (>100 ml) and needed clean intermittent catheterization for the mean of 0.7 week. Conclusion: Although the follow-up period was short, the TVT procedure seems to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.