The anatomy of midurethral slings and dynamics of neurovascular injury

The aim of this study was to investigate the course of midurethral slings using tension-free vaginal tape. The TVT procedure was performed on six fresh pelves, measurements were obtained, and the structures were cross-referenced in 16 embalmed pelves. The midurethral sling enters the suburethral tissue 2.2–3 cm caudad to the internal urethral meatus, pierces the paraurethral musculature and vascular plexus, and exits 2±0.5 cm from the midline lateral to the point of insertion of the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis. On the pubic tubercle the sling is 4±0.5 cm, 4±1 cm and 6±1 cm from the accessory obturator, the inferior epigastric and the external iliac vessels, respectively. The critical angle of error resulting in the external iliac vessel injury is 7–15°. A current knowledge of pelvic anatomy may help the surgeon avoid the neural and vascular structures that are in the path of the sling.Editorial Comment: The authors are to be commended for the completion of a detailed observational study further investigating the course of the TVT tunneler during placement of the sling material. An unpublished study reported by Walters et al. found similar relationships between the TVT tunneler and the surrounding pelvic vasculature. Both of these studies highlight the importance of avoiding excessive lateral deviation or rotation of the TVT tunneler during placement.The conceptualization of a dynamic pelvic anatomy in relation to the advancing tip of a midurethral sling trocar is advocated to lessen intraoperative complications.S. Abbas Shobeiri can also be reached at     

Anatomical study of the obturator foramen and dorsal nerve of the clitoris and their relationship to minimally invasive slings

Objectives The objective of the study is to clarify potential risks to the dorsal nerve of the clitoris (DNC) and obturator canal using different minimally invasive slings.Study design Ten embalmed hemipelves were dissected to demonstrate the course of the DNC and the obturator canal. On each cadaver, tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), transobturator in–out (TVT-O) and transobturator out–in (Monarc) procedures were performed. Distances between the DNC and the obturator canal to the different devices were measured.Results The DNC passes beneath the pubic bone at a distance of 14.3±4.7 mm of the midline. The distances of the different devices to the DNC were similar. The distance to the obturator canal was significantly different, with TVT being the furthest (40.1±3.7 mm) and TVT-O the closest (19.3±3.1 mm; p<0.0001).Conclusion Given the course of the DNC along the medial aspect of the ischiopubic ramus, the out–in technique may be safer. The in–out technique is the closest to the obturator canal.     

One-year urodynamic outcome and quality of life in patients with concomitant tension-free vaginal tape during pelvic floor reconstruction surgery for genitourinary prolapse and urodynamic stress incontinence

The aim of the study was to examine the 1-year urodynamic outcome and quality of life in patients who have had concomitant tension-free vaginal tape insertion during pelvic floor reconstruction surgery. The medical notes of a retrospective cohort of 45 patients who had undergone tension-free vaginal tape together with pelvic floor reconstruction surgery were reviewed. The operative information, the results of the urodynamic studies and the change in the quality-of-life scores 1 year after surgery were examined. The quality of life was assessed with both general and disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaires (General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7)). Patient satisfaction was assessed with the validated Chinese version of the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ). Forty-five patients underwent tension-free vaginal tape insertion together with pelvic floor reconstruction surgery. The overall objective cure rate was 43%. There was a significant improvement in the disease specific quality-of-life assessment (UDI-6 score 38.3–15.5; P<0.01) and (IIQ-7 score 15.0–4.0; P<0.01). The patients who had a concomitant cystocele repair had a worse objective cure rate than patients without concomitant cystocele repair (38% vs 67%; P=0.19).Abbreviations SUI Stress urinary incontinence - TVT Tension-free vaginal tapeEditorial Comment: This retrospective cohort study compared objective cure rates (negative stress test and normal cystometry) and quality of life surveys among patients who underwent concomitant tension-free vaginal tape procedures and cystocele repair with those undergoing TVT procedures alone. At 1 year, the reported success rate of the combine procedures was 37% as compared to 67% for those patients undergoing TVT alone. These rates are lower than those reported in most previous studies. Without more information concerning pre- and post-operative urodynamic evaluations and techniques employed in the cystocele repair, it is difficult to explain the differences in outcomes from those reported by other authors. Prospective randomized trials are needed to evaluate the long-term cure rates and complication rates of TVT combined with cystocele repair in order to formulate clinical recommendations for future practice.     

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.     

How does tension-free vaginal tape correct stress incontinence? Investigation by perineal ultrasound

Forty patients who underwent a single tension-free vaginal tape procedure were evaluated by perineal ultrasound both pre- and postoperatively in a prospective observational clinical study. The positions of the tape, bladder neck and urethra were sonographically documented at rest and during Valsalva maneuvers. During Valsalva the tape rotated towards the symphysis in all patients. Postoperative urethral angulation could be demonstrated in 36 of 40 patients. Bladder neck mobility remained unchanged after the tension-free vaginal tape procedure, and 36 of the 40 were dry according to patient questionnaires. Postoperative cough test was negative in all patients. Two points seem to be important for the functioning of the tension-free vaginal tape: a dynamic kinking of the urethra during stress, and the movement of the tape against the symphysis, compressing the tissue between the tape and the symphysis. Mobility of the bladder neck is unaffected by the single tension-free vaginal tape procedure.Abbreviations TVT Tension-free vaginal tape - UVJ Urethrovesical junction Editorial Comment: The authors are to be commended for an interesting study using perineal ultrasound imaging for evaluation of TVT placement and function. The study demonstrates two main functions of the tape: midurethral kinking, and compression of the tape against the symphysis pubis. This agrees with published imaging data and confirms the essentially obstructive function of the TVT.     

Comparison of three mid-urethral tension-free tapes (TVT, TVT-O, and TVT-Secur) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: 1-year follow-up

Introduction and hypothesis  

The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the clinical values of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), tension-free vaginal tape-transobturator (TVT-O), or tension-free vaginal tape-Secur (TVT-Secur) as treatment for female stress urinary incontinence.     

Intestinal perforation as a complication of tension-free vaginal tape procedure for urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: To report and prevent a serious complication of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. CASE REPORT: One day after a TVT procedure, an emergency CT scan showed adhesion of intestinal loops with a pneumoperitoneum. The patient had previously had intra- and retroperitoneal surgery with a sacral cervicopexy and a Burch colposuspension. CONCLUSION: In such a case of previous surgery, a CT scan may be useful before a TVT procedure.     

Sexual function after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for stress incontinence: results of a mailed questionnaire

In a retrospective study we evaluated sexual function after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) placement for urinary stress incontinence based on responses to a mailed questionnaire at least 3 months after the operation, to a maximum of 1 year. From 1999 to 2002, a sexual function questionnaire was mailed to 128 women (and their partners) who had undergone a TVT procedure for genuine urinary stress incontinence, without pelvic organ prolapse or detrusor instability. The questionnaire was returned by 96 women (75%), 69 (72%) of whom reported being sexually active. Mean frequency of intercourse did not change. Overall, 26% described improved intercourse compared to before the operation. Only one patient described worsening of intercourse after the TVT operation because of an increase in her incontinence. Overall, in this study the technique of tension-free vaginal tape as such seems to have no negative impact on sexual function. However, because of its successful outcome on incontinence, it has a positive overall effect on sexual function. The possible causes of postoperative partner discomfort require further investigation.Abbreviations AVWS Anterior vaginal wall suspension - SUI Stress urinary incontinence - TVT Tension-free vaginal tape This study was supported by the Pelvic Floor & Sexuality research group Leiden. Editorial Comment: The impact of urogynecologic surgery on sexual function is unclear. For those who are incontinent with intercourse, cure of incontinence may improve sexual activity at the price of potential damage to the vaginal anatomy. In this study sexual function following the TVT procedure was evaluated. The authors report that sexual frequency was overall unchanged, and many patients felt that intercourse improved. It appears that much of this improvement is probably related to cure of the incontinence rather than any specific features of the TVT. Although the study is flawed by its retrospective design and a long interval between the procedure and the questionnaire, the results overall are reassuring.     

A randomized trial comparing tension-free vaginal tape with tension-free vaginal tape-obturator: 36-month results

Introduction and hypothesis  

This is a randomized multicenter study comparing two mid-urethra tape procedures, the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) with the tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) in terms of cure rate and complication rate.     

Anatomical relationship and fixation of tension-free vaginal tape Secur

Objective  The objective is to describe the anatomical localisation of tension-free vaginal tape Secur (TVT-S) in the H-position regarding possible injury of vessels and fixation site. Methods  We placed TVT-S inserters bilaterally in 14 embalmed and five fresh frozen female bodies. After dissection, we measured distances from the obturator bundle (obturator nerve and obturator vessels). Results  In embalmed bodies, the mean distance of TVT-S from the obturator bundle was 3.05 cm (standard deviation (SD) 1.18 cm) on the left, 3.07 cm (SD 1.17 cm) on the right. Perforation of the fascia of obturator internus muscle occurred in 46.4%. In fresh frozen bodies, results were fundamentally similar. Injury of variable vessels can occur. Conclusion  There is a minimal risk of injury to the obturator bundle during TVT-S; however, there is a significant risk of inserting the TVT-S inserter into the obturator fossa. The position of TVT-S does not change significantly after legs mal-positioning.     

Suburethral tape via the obturator route: is the TOT a simplification of the TVT?

Suburethral meshes can be implanted via the classic retropubic route (TVT) or by a new insertion technique that passes the tape into the obturator foramen (TOT). In a retrospective study we compared one 18-month period of 94 TOT (tension-free obturator tape) and one 18-month period of 99 TVT (tension-free vaginal tape), which preceded the change in the approach route. All operations were performed by the same surgeon using the same Prolene mesh and withno other surgical procedure associated. These two series were similar in terms of patient age, previous surgical history, degree of incontinence and preoperative urethral closure pressure. The analysis shows morehemorrhagic complications in the TVT group (10%) than in the TOT group (2%), but the difference was not significant. Bladder injuries were more frequent in the TVT group (10%) than in the TOT group (0%), but there was one urethral injury in the TOT group. The mean follow-up was 29.5 months in the TVT group and 12.8 months in the TOT group. The urinary results were the same, with 90% and 95% cured, respectively. In conclusion, the obturator approach shows identical urinary results to the classic retropubic approach. Because of the nature of the procedure, major hemorrhage and bowel perforation are excluded in the TOT procedure. Thus simplicity, safety and continence result mean that the obturator approach represents the best method of suburethral tape insertion for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence.Abbreviations TOT Tension-free obturator tape - TVT Tension-free vaginal tapeEditorial Comment: These authors describe a comparison between tension-free vaginal tape and a new transobturator midurethral sling procedure. Although the study is significantly limited because of its non-concurrent, non-randomized design, and by the fact that follow-up was done via telephone with only 75% of patients, the authors do show that there are early data to suggest that the transobturator technique may have similar efficacy and fewer side effects than the tension-free vaginal tape technique.     

TVT-O vs. TVT for the treatment of SUI: a non-inferiority study

Introduction and hypothesis  

This study aimed to prospectively compare, in terms of efficacy and safety, the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and the transobturator vaginal tape inside-out (TVT-O) procedure for stress urinary incontinence.     

The effect of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure on sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) on sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by questionnaire. Thirty-two sexually active and married women who were planned for TVT to treat SUI constituted the patient group, and 25 women who were healthy, sexually active and married, were selected as the control group; the ages of both groups matched. Sexual functions (desire, arousal, orgasm, pain and satisfaction) were evaluated with the Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF), and continence status during sexual intercourse was asked about both preoperatively and postoperatively in the 6th month. The mean domain scores of sexual functions such as desire, arousal, orgasm, pain and overall satisfaction preoperatively and postoperatively were 3.37±0.69, 3.82±0.62, 3.40±0.95, 3.41±0.98, 3.16±1.09 and 3.32±0.79, 3.71±0.53, 3.06±1.04, 2.75±1.29, 2.88±0.63, respectively, and postoperative scores insignificantly decreased. Also, these scores in the control group were 3.64±0.66, 3.96±0.73, 4.12±0.78, 3.96±1.14 and 3.68±0.92. In comparison with the control group, whereas all of the preoperative domain scores were found to be decreased but were statistically insignificant except orgasmic function, postoperative scores significantly worsened, except for desire and arousal. However, preoperatively nine patients explained that they had incontinence during sexual intercourse, and this problem persisted in twopostoperatively (p = 0.043). This study shows that both SUI and the TVT procedure negatively affect sexual function in women.Abbreviations FSD Female sexual dysfunction - SUI Stress urinary incontinence - TVT Tension-free vaginal tape Editorial Comment: This study examines female sexual function in relation to SUI and the TVT procedure. The conclusion is that as a rule SUI negatively affects female sexual function. A successful TVT procedure does not improve patients perception of sexual function. Counseling for sexual dysfunction should therefore be part of the preoperative investigation.     

Delayed bowel erosion by tension-free vaginal tape (TVT)

A 71-year-old woman who had had a previous abdominal hysterectomy and Burch operation presented with stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency. She underwent a technically difficult placement of a TVT tape in April 2002. After an uneventful recovery she was discharged after 72 hours but presented almost 5 months later with small bowel obstruction. At laparotomy she had a loop of ileum adherent to the left lower side wall of the pelvis, with the TVT tape penetrating and traversing this loop. The ileal segment was excised and an end-to-end anastomosis performed. Her recovery was uneventful and she is maintaining her urinary continence. Patients who have had previous combined pelvic intra- and extraperitoneal surgery should be operated on by experienced surgeons and be observed for 24 hours. The placement of a Uratape (Porges-Mentor) via a transobturator approach should also be considered in such cases. Abbreviations TVT tension-free vaginal tape     

TVT compared with TVT-O and TOT: results from the Norwegian National Incontinence Registry

Introduction and hypothesis  

The aim of this study is to compare the outcome and complication rates of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) operations with the transobturator vaginal tape (TVT-O and TOT) operations in the treatment of urinary stress incontinence.     

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.     

Result of the tension-free vaginal tape in patients with concomitant prolapse surgery: a 2-year follow-up study. An analysis from the Netherlands TVT database

This study assessed the long-term outcome of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in women with concomitant pelvic surgery. A prospective cohort study of 746 patients in 41 hospitals was undertaken. The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) were used to measure the results of the TVT. Fifty-nine patients with concomitant prolapse surgery were compared with 687 women with TVT only. The decrease in IIQ/UDI mean scores were statistically significant in both groups after the TVT. The success rates of “no leakage at all” is comparable for both groups. This study, with 54 gynecologists and urologists participating, showed the long-term (2 years) success rates of TVT with concomitant prolapse surgery. It shows that the procedure in conjunction with prolapse surgery can be safely performed with good results.     

Long-term efficacy of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure for the treatment of urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis  

The aim was to evaluate the long-term cure rates and the late complications of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT).     

The effect of local anaesthetic infiltration on urethral function during the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure

Different anaesthetic techniques are used for the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. Using local anaesthetic and spinal techniques allows surgeons to adjust sling tension with the cough test. The aim of this study was to asses whether the periurethral infiltration of the local anaesthetic technique for TVT results in a significant alteration in urethral function. Twenty-five women who underwent a TVT procedure for stress incontinence were studied prospectively. Urethral function was assessed with the urethral retro-resistance pressure (URP) before and after the infiltration of local anaesthetic. Paired t tests were used to compare values. The mean URP value was 48.0 cm/H₂O (SD, 18.4) before and 52.0 cm/H₂O (SD, 34.5) after the periurethral infiltration of local anaesthetic. There was no statistical significance between the two groups (p = 0.37). Local anaesthetic does not alter urethral function, as measured by URP, allowing coughing to mimic non-anaesthetic conditions.     

Responsiveness of the electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire-Pelvic Floor (ePAQ-PF)

This study aimed to evaluate the responsiveness of the electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire-Pelvic Floor (ePAQ-PF) in women undergoing surgery for pelvic floor disorders. Fifty-four women undergoing tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and 47 women undergoing prolapse surgery completed ePAQ-PF at baseline and 3 months postoperatively. Responsiveness was calculated using effect sizes, standardized response means, responsiveness statistic, and minimally important difference. In the TVT group, the largest effect sizes were seen in the urinary domains for stress urinary incontinence (2.4), quality of life (2.2), and overactive bladder (0.9). In the prolapse group, the largest effect sizes were seen in the vaginal domains for prolapse (2.1) and quality of life (1.0). ePAQ-PF is responsive to change in women undergoing TVT or prolapse surgery in the salient and expected domains of stress incontinence and prolapse and quality of life and can be recommended for outcome measurement in this context.