Vaginal wall erosion after transobturator tape procedure

Transobturator Prolene tape insertion represents a new method of operative treatment for stress urinary incontinence. The first results show that it is a simple and effective procedure accompanied by a minimum number of complications. Since February 2004, 30 Monarc procedures were done at our department and no intraoperative complications were observed. However, two cases (6.7%) of vaginal wall erosion due to the Prolene tape were noted 6 weeks after surgery. In a subsequent surgical procedure, the periurethral portion of the tape was removed and a new Prolene tape was placed through the retropubic space. Three months after secondary surgery both patients were continent, with no sign of erosion. The transobturator approach was introduced to minimize the risk of complications. However, the greater prevalence of vaginal wall erosion after this procedure found in our series demands a scrupulous search for this complication and for the mechanisms leading to its occurrence.     

Treatment of voiding dysfunction after transobturator tape procedure

Voiding dysfunction after mid-urethral sling procedures is uncommon but not completely avoidable. We report on a method to adjust the transobturator mid-urethral sling under local anesthesia in the early postoperative period for postoperative voiding difficulty. At postoperative day 17 and 18, 2 women, who had undergone the transobturator tape procedure for stress incontinence, underwent successful loosening of the mesh through the previous vaginal incision, without the need to transect or remove the tape. Both patients had immediate resolution of their symptoms while maintaining urinary continence.     

Tension-free vaginal tape sling for recurrent stress incontinence after transobturator tape sling failure

The transobturator tape (TOT) sling is a new minimally invasive technique to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Short-term follow-up studies show high success rates; however, as with any surgical treatment of SUI, failures are known to occur. The treatment of recurrent or persistent stress urinary incontinence after a TOT sling is therefore a new dilemma as well. In this paper, we describe the successful use of a retropubic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) sling in five patients after failed TOT sling. We present case series of five patients who had TOT slings placed for stress incontinence that failed and subsequently had TVT slings placed for persistent SUI. The TVT slings were placed under local/regional anesthesia without removal of the TOT sling. Retrospective chart review of office and hospital charts was completed, and both objective and subjective data were collected. Five patients had TVT slings placed 6–30 weeks after early failure of TOT slings that were placed for stress urinary incontinence. Postoperatively, all patients with urodynamic testing showed evidence of intrinsic sphincter deficiency; however, all maintained urethral mobility of 30°. All five patients had successful treatment of their incontinence with the retropubic tension-free sling procedure with a mean follow-up of 17 months. Recurrent or persistent stress urinary incontinence after TOT sling may be treated with TVT sling without removal of the TOT sling. Further studies with larger numbers and longer-term follow-up is warranted.     

Incisional hernia after a tension-free vaginal tape procedure

A case is presented of an incisional hernia of the inguinal canal presenting 9 months after a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure and anterior vaginal repair. The TVT and repair procedure was complicated by prolonged postoperative urinary retention requiring midline incision of the tape for resumption of normal voiding. The patient had a hysterectomy several years earlier via a Pfannenstiel incision. No other risk factors for hernia were identified. There are no previous reports of TVT-related incisional hernia. We conclude that incisional hernia is a rare complication of the TVT procedure and that the characteristics of the TVT tape may contribute to late occurrence of herniation.     

Laparoscopic transvesical removal of erosive mesh after transobturator tape procedure

We have experienced two cases of intravesical transobturator tape (TOT) tape successfully removed by laparoscopic transvesical procedure. Patient 1 was a 67-year-old woman complaining of irritative symptoms of the urinary bladder. In another hospital she had undergone anterior corporrhaphy and a TOT procedure to treat a cystocele and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) 17 months before the initial consultation. A cystoscopy revealed tape extrusion and adherent calculi at the 4 to 5 O'clock position of the bladder neck. After filling the bladder with carbon dioxide, three 5-mm ports were placed in lower abdomen directly into the bladder. The tape extruding from the bladder muscle layer was completely excised, and extirpated with the adherent calculi. The bladder mucosa and muscle layer were continuously sutured using 4-0 Vicryl (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA). The port entry sites were closed under direct vision using 4-0 Vicryl. SUI recurred 15 months later and a second TOT surgery was performed. Neither SUI nor mesh extrusion have been observed during the 18 months following the second TOT. Patient 2 was a 74-year-old woman. She consulted our hospital for the removal of an intravesically extruded tape and adherent calculi. She had undergone a vaginal hysterectomy and TOT surgery for uterine prolapse and SUI at another hospital 3 years before her visit. A cystoscopy revealed tape extrusion and adherent calculi on the right bladder wall. We performed an endoscopic transvesical extirpation of the intravesical foreign bodies in a same manner described below. There has been no recurrent SUI or mesh erosion during the 18-month follow up.     

Retropubic tension-free vaginal tape and inside-out transobturator tape: a long-term randomized trial

Introduction and hypothesis

The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and inside-out transobturator tape (TVT-O) are first-line surgical treatments for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, there is a lack of information regarding the long-term comparative safety of these procedures.

Methods

A total of 140 SUI patients were randomized to the TVT or TVT-O procedure and were interviewed by an independent investigator at the follow-up. The primary outcomes were the proportions of patients with long-term postoperative complications. The secondary outcomes included the cure rates, quality of life (QOL) and sexual function based on validated questionnaires.

Results

One hundred and twenty (85.71 %) patients completed the long-term follow-up. More TVT patients experienced perioperative complications (P?<?0.05). However, in a mean follow-up of 95 months, no significant between-group difference was found in the proportions of patients with long-term complications or in the variety of reported complications. The long-term complication rates for TVT and TVT-O were 43.1 % and 27.4 % respectively (P?=?0.07). De novo voiding (15.8 %) and storage symptoms (10.8 %) were the primary long-term complications. Tape exposure was possible up to 7 years after TVT-O. The objective cure rates of TVT and TVT-O procedures were 79.30 and 69.35 % respectively, which were not significantly higher than the subjective rates. The Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) scores remained improved (P?<?0.001) after both procedures, even at the 95-month follow-up. No difference was observed in the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire Short Form (PISQ-12) scores after either procedure.

Conclusions

In the long term, the proportion of patients with complications and the cure rates of the two procedures did not differ significantly. The long-term complication rates were high, but morbidity was low, and the QOL remained improved.

     

Risk factors for failure after transobturator vaginal tape for urinary incontinence

ObjectiveTo identify risk factors leading to treatment failure in a sample of 302 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated by transobturator vaginal tape (TOT) with a medium follow-up of 4 years (range 1-6).Material and MethodsA population based cohort study with prospectively data from 302 women, aged 41-81 years underwent TOT between April 2003-November 2010. Data were collected by validated questionnaire on urinary incontinence, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire — Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and clinical data-records. Continence was achieved in 262 (Group A) and 40 continued with incontinence (Group B). We investigated the relationship between age, SUI evolution time, type and number of childbirths (eutocic, dystocic, nulliparous, multiparous status) and medical and/or surgical backgrounds. The ICIQ-SF questionnaire was used to describe whether the surgery outcomes were successful or not.ResultsGroup A were younger (p = 0.0001), had less SUI evolution time (p = 0.017); more eutocic childbirths (p = 0.000018). Group B had more dystocic childbirth (p = 0.022), previous tension free vaginal tape (TVT) or TOT (p = 0.03.), antidepressant-anxiolytic drugs (p = 0.003), antihypertensive drugs (p = 0.0005), type 1 diabetes (p = 0.02), arterial hypertension (p = 0.0007), respiratory diseases (p = 0.025). Differences were not found with regard to nulliparous (p = 0.701), multiparous status (p = 0.42), obesity (p = 0.18), intestinal disorders (p = 0.59), oophorectomy (p = 0.19), caesarean (p = 0.17), prolapse surgery (p = 0.29), hysterectomy (p = 0.57), allergies (p = 0.48), arthritis (p = 0.22), arthrosis (p = 0.44), depression (p = 0.74), type 2 diabetes (p = 0.44), smoking patterns (p = 0.28), fibromyalgia (p = 0.47).ConclusionsElderly women, with long evolution SUI, dystocic delivery, previous TVT or TOT appear as independent risk factors associated to TOT failure. These factors may make the indication of another surgical approach recommendable.     

Diagnosis, management and prognosis of vaginal erosion after transobturator suburethral tape procedure using a nonwoven thermally bonded polypropylene mesh

PURPOSE: We studied the diagnosis, management and prognosis of vaginal mesh erosion using a thermally bonded nonwoven polypropylene mesh in a transobturator suburethral tape procedure for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 65 patients diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence underwent a transobturator suburethral tape procedure with a fusion welded, nonwoven, nonknitted polypropylene mesh, with or without a central silicone coated section, at our institution. All women were followed and if vaginal erosion was diagnosed, cystoscopy and vaginoscopy were performed, the mesh was partially or completely removed and, if necessary, posterior cough test and urodynamic study were performed. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients 9 (13.8%) were diagnosed with vaginal erosion at the vaginal incision during a relatively long postoperative period (mean 290 days). All presented with vaginal discharge and 1 had a severe complication (obturator abscess). Complete mesh removal was necessary in 8 patients and only 2 (22%) had recurrent stress urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: A 13.8% rate of vaginal mesh erosion using a nonwoven thermally bonded polypropylene mesh was reported. This complication was probably due to the characteristics of the mesh and not to the transobturator approach. Complete removal of the tape is recommended and the continence status prognosis is good (78%).     

Vaginal delivery after tension-free vaginal tape procedure

To treat genuine stress urinary incontinence, the surgical technique of choice at present is suburethral tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. Because of its good results and low morbidity, TVT is now offered to younger women still of childbearing age. We describe a patient who delivered vaginally 2 years after undergoing a retropubic TVT procedure. The woman remained continent throughout her pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum, with normal urodynamic parameters.     

Sexual function after tension-free vaginal tape procedure

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the sexual function of women after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To evaluate the female sexual function after the TVT procedure, we designed a 36-item questionnaire including 21 questions on incontinence, 15 questions on sexuality and 3 questions on the personal impression of the procedure. Diagnostic workup consisted of a detailed medical history, urinalysis, postvoid residual urine volume assessment, ultrasound of the kidney and a urodynamic study. RESULTS: Fifty-two women completed the entire questionnaire. Overall, 82.7% of the women were satisfied with the TVT procedure. A proportion of 74.0% indicated that they became totally continent after the operation. One third of the sexually active women reported an improvement of their sexual life after TVT, 14.3% a worsening, and 52.4% reported no change. Deterioration of sexual function was significantly associated with de novo urge, dyspareunia and sensation of postvoid residual urine volume. CONCLUSION: In summary, our investigations showed that the influence of the TVT procedure on female sexual function is evident, but of low impact, and in general will not be of relevance.     

Voiding dysfunction after the tension-free vaginal tape procedure

Throughout the past decade, pubovaginal slings have become the most widely used surgical procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. However, despite its widespread use and success rates, it is associated with a significant complication rate. In response to the high complication rate, the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) was introduced. Based on the integral theory that stress urinary incontinence results from defective urethral support, the TVT consists of a loosely placed piece of prolene mesh under the urethra to recreate the pubourethral ligament. However, despite its tension-free nature, studies have shown that the TVT causes postoperative voiding dysfunction in 2.8% to 14% of patients. Radiologic and urodynamic studies suggest that postoperative voiding dysfunction is related to a change in outflow resistance during voiding, not to a change in the bladder neck positioning at rest. Although voiding dysfunction appears to be less after TVT than colposuspensions and the early pubovaginal slings, it does exist and patients should be warned of the potential complication.     

Surgical removal of a large vaginal calculus formed after a tension-free vaginal tape procedure

Vaginal calculus is a rare disorder which has been reported in association with urethral diverticulum, urogenital sinus anomaly, bladder exstrophy and the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. We report a 42-year-old woman who presented with persistent, intractable urinary tract infection (UTI) following a TVT procedure. Cystoscopy demonstrated an eroded tape with the formation of a bladder calculus, and the patient underwent laser cystolithotripsy and cystoscopic resection of the tape. Following this procedure, her UTI completely resolved and she remained asymptomatic for several years. Seven years later she presented with a solid vaginal mass. Pelvic examination followed by transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large vaginal calculus located at the lower third of the anterior vaginal wall adjacent to the bladder neck. This video presents the transvaginal excision and removal of the vaginal calculus.     

A late complication of transobturator tape procedure: vaginocutaneous fistula formation with vaginal mesh erosion

Transobturator tape procedures are a common treatment modality in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Various complications have been reported related to this procedure. We present a rare case of vaginocutaneous fistula formation 5 years after transobturator tape surgery. A 56-year-old woman presented with complaints of increased vaginal discharge, difficulty in coitus, and serosanguineous discharge from the left groin 5 years after transobturator tape surgery for SUI. Pelvic examination revealed 2–3 cm of extruded mesh at the anterior vaginal wall. The vaginocutaneous fistula was detected at surgery. The suburethral tape was removed, and the fistula tract was excised and repaired primarily. Postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was still continent 6 weeks postoperatively. With widespread use of mesh for treating SUI, we will likely see a variety of complications in the long term.     

The tension-free vaginal tape procedure

This article discusses the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure, which attempts to recreate urethral support at the level of the pubourethral ligaments by placing a polypropylene sling at the midurethra as opposed to the bladder neck. The procedure has the proposed advantage of being done under local anesthesia and being an outpatient surgery and can be performed transvaginally or suprapubically.     

Female sexual function following surgery for stress urinary incontinence: tension-free vaginal versus transobturator tape procedure

The aim of this study was to compare sexual function outcome following tension-free vaginal (TVT) versus transobturator tape (TOT) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). All women who underwent TVT or TOT procedures for SUI with no concomitant prolapse repair between January 2002 and July 2007 were sent a retrospective pre-post questionnaire. Eighty-one and 64 women were sexually active before and after TVT and TOT procedures, respectively. Sexual function outcome did not differ pre- and postoperatively for the TVT and TOT groups, and postoperatively between the two groups. Responders reported an improvement of intercourse satisfaction in 23 (29.5%) and 21 (32.9%) cases, whereas 14 (17.3%) and eight (12.5%) complained of sexual function deterioration after TVT and TOT procedure, respectively (p = 0.43). This study suggests that anti-incontinence surgery can have a positive and negative outcome on sexual function, with no significant differences between the TVT and TOT procedures.     

经闭孔尿道中段吊带术治疗女性压力性尿失禁的疗效分析

目的:探讨女性压力性尿失禁(SUI)的临床特征及经闭孔尿道中段吊带术(TVT-O)治疗SUI的疗效。方法:回顾性分析2009年10月至2018年6月海军军医大学第一附属医院收治的319例女性SUI患者的病例资料。中位年龄58(39~91)岁,其中≥60岁145例(45.5%)。伴高血压病96例(30.1%),糖尿病24例(7.5%)。未婚未孕2例(0.6%),有生育史317例(99.4%)。31例(9.7%)合并Ⅱ~Ⅳ度盆腔脏器脱垂。SUI中位病程5(0.2~40.0)年。中度尿失禁155例(48.6%),重度尿失禁164例(51.4%)。319例术前中位最大尿流率30(5.2~72.6)ml/s,中位尿流量380.5(56.7~1013.6)ml。术前国际尿失禁咨询委员会尿失禁问卷表简表(ICIQ-SF)中位评分14(9~19)分。288例行TVT-O。31例合并Ⅱ~Ⅳ度盆腔脏器脱垂者,一期行经闭孔四臂网片盆底修复术联合TVT-O。结果:288例TVT-O平均手术时间(32.3±8.0)(19~60)min,31例盆腔修复手术联合TVT-O平均手术时间(75.5±17.0)(50~120)min。术后随访265例,随访率83.1%,随访时间12~24个月。其中254例(95.8%)客观治愈,248例(93.6%)主观治愈,10例(3.8%)主观缓解,7例(2.6%)主观无改善。30例(96.8%)盆腔脏器脱垂治愈。术后并发症分别为腹股沟区疼痛28例(10.6%),新发尿急12例(4.5%),尿路感染9例(3.4%),排尿困难7例(2.6%),性交痛3例(1.1%),膀胱损伤、吊带侵蚀、切口瘢痕增生各1例(0.4%)。结论:女性SUI患者以中老年为主,就诊时以中重度患者为主。TVT-O治愈率高、并发症较少且大多在可控范围内。对于SUI合并中重度盆腔脏器脱垂患者,可一期行TVT-O联合盆底修复手术。     

Tension-free vaginal tape versus transobturator tape for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

Objectives  

The transobturator tape (TOT) is based on a similar principle as the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), but introduced through the obturator foramen. The aim of this study was to compare these slings as surgical procedures for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.     

A transvaginal ultrasound study comparing transobturator tape and tension-free vaginal tape after surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

This study was carried out to compare ultrasonographic findings on patients after transobturator tape (TOT) and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedures to evaluate displacement of tapes up to a 2-year follow-up and to test the correlation between bladder outlet obstruction and the tape position. Forty-nine patients had a transvaginal ultrasonographic evaluation after TOT (n=31) or TVT (n=18) procedures. Twenty-one patients from the TOT group and 12 from the TVT group had ultrasonographic evaluation both at 1 and 2 years follow-up. Tape position was evaluated with a complete sagittal view, and the width of the tape and the distance between the middle of the tape and the bladder neck were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using a t test. After clinical evaluation, stress test, and uroflowmetry with residual measurement, the tapes were compared on ultrasound with regard to clinical and urodynamic results: success in stress incontinence vs failure, bladder outlet obstruction vs no obstruction, and de novo urgencies vs no urgencies. No difference was found between TOT and TVT in the midurethral tape placement. The distance between the middle of the tape and the bladder neck at rest was similar at both 1 and 2 years after both TOT and TVT and was unchanged after coughing or Valsalva. The width of the tape was similar after TOT and TVT at both 1 and 2 years after the procedure. There was no difference in the distance between the middle of the tape and the bladder neck between cured patients, failure, bladder outlet obstruction, and de novo urgencies after both TOT and TVT. Transvaginal ultrasound examination showed no significant difference in the tape position between TOT and TVT. No correlation was found between ultrasonographic findings and postoperative voiding troubles for both techniques.