Long-term evaluation of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) outcomes for a UK surgeon: Objective assessment and patient satisfaction questionnaires

Summary 

Objective

To evaluate the complication rates and long-term results of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) placement for a single surgeon, in terms of objective assessment and patient reported outcome.

Patients and methods

Data are presented for 118 cases treated between 1998 and 2004. All patients had proven urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and were asked to complete a postal symptom questionnaire at a median of 62 months post-procedure.

Results

Mean duration of incontinence was 6.6 years, and 18.6% of patients had undergone previous incontinence surgery. Median hospital stay was 24h. Complications were bladder perforation in 6.8%, failure to void 11%, haemorrhage 0.8% and late bladder, urethral and vaginal erosions in 3.4%, 0.8% and 1.7%, respectively. Overall continence rates were 86.4% (102/118) at a mean follow-up of 14.5 months. At a mean of 62 months post-operatively (range 31–102 months), questionnaire response rate was 54/118 (45.8%). 72.2% (30/54) of patients reported cure or improvement in symptoms, and 43/52 (82.7%) would recommend this procedure to a friend with similar symptoms.

Conclusion

The outcomes reported compare favourably with published series and confirm the benefit of TVT as a procedure for USI. Patient satisfaction is high and morbidity low.

Keywords: Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), Urodynamic stress incontinence (USI), Long-term outcome, Patient satisfaction