Anatomical risks of transobturator suburethral tape in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to define the anatomical structures crossed by transobturator tape. MATERIALS: Ten fresh, female anatomical subjects aged 74 to 89 years. METHODS: Transobturator tape was inserted by outside-in way. The position of the tape was verified by perineal and abdominal dissection. RESULTS: Transobturator tape has a transverse course. It crosses the adductor muscles close to their pubic insertion and passes over the inferior border of the obturator foramen by crossing the obturator membrane, before reaching the middle plane of the perineum after having crossed the obturator internus muscle. The tape passes above the internal pudendal pedicle and then under the levator ani muscle, under the tendinous arch of the pelvic fascia and continues in the middle third of the urethrovaginal septum. It avoids femoral and obturator vessels in the thigh and pudendal vessels in the perineum. CONCLUSION: The anatomical course of transobturator tape shows that the anatomical structures crossed by the tape are muscle and fascia and, when the technique is performed correctly, no major neurovascular structures are in contact with the tape.     

Anatomical variability in the trajectory of the inside-out transobturator vaginal tape technique (TVT-O)

An experimental surgical study on human cadavers was undertaken to assess variability in the trajectory followed by the needle during application of the inside-out transobturator tape suspension (TVT-O) technique. The TVT-O surgical procedures were performed on six fresh female cadavers according to the standard recommended operative protocol. Subsequent anatomical dissection revealed that the needle had perforated the obturator membrane at a distance of 0.7 to 2.0 cm from the needle to the obturator canal. It subsequently followed a variable course passing at 0.5 to 2.0 cm from the anterior branch of the obturator nerve and 0.1 to 1.4 cm from the posterior branch. We conclude from this anatomical study that the TVT-O trajectory is subject to wider variability than was originally postulated. Both P. Hinoul and S. Smajda contributed equally to this paper.     

Perineal cellulitis and persistent vaginal erosion after transobturator tape (Obtape)—case report and review of the literature

Transobturator sub-urethral tapes are emerging as one of the surgical options for the management of urodynamic stress incontinence. Though with relatively less risk of injury to the bladder, a different approach as well as the different characteristics of the tape material mean a variety of complications like obturator abscess, obturator haematoma, retro-pubic haematoma, and perineal cellulitis. In this paper, we describe a case of perineal cellulitis following the insertion of a transobturator tape (Obtape®). Though cellulitis was managed conservatively with intravenous antibiotics, the patient was found to have vaginal extrusion of the tape. Vaginal erosion was initially managed with resuturing of the vaginal wall. Persistent erosion unfortunately necessitated complete tape removal. The patient later had another sub-urethral procedure after 3 months. Perineal cellulitis is rare after transobturator tape procedures. In the literature, only two cases have been described so far. Though vaginal erosion can be managed conservatively, we recommend the complete removal of the tape when an infection is proven or suspected.     

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.     

Transobturator tape erosion associated with leg pain

A 39 year-old vaginal multipara status postpubovaginal sling in 2002 and a transobturator tape procedure in 2004 presented with persistent stress incontinence and vaginal polypropylene mesh erosion. Ten days later, she presented to the emergency room with severe right groin pain, difficulty walking, fever, and chills. She described shooting pain originating from the right inguinal ligament radiating down her right leg anteriorly. Although her neurologic examination was normal, palpation of the right obturator internus muscle reproduced her pain. MRI clearly revealed the course of the mesh tape through the obturator muscles and marked increase in the size of the right adductor and obturator internus muscles, apparently compressing the adjacent neurovascular fascicle. The patient was taken to the operating room where the polypropylene tape was easily removed through the vaginal erosion. Mesh cultures were positive for bacteroides fragilis. She experienced complete symptom resolution within 1 week of tape removal.     

TVT ABBREVO: cadaveric study of tape position in foramen obturatum and adductor region

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of the study was to describe fixation of the TVT ABBREVO and establish whether the tape penetrates through obturator muscles and membrane (obturator complex) into the adductor region and, if so, how far it penetrates.

Methods

Eight formalin-embalmed female cadavers were used to simulate TVT ABBREVO surgery (totalling 16 insertions). Following tape insertion, dissection was performed and ends of the tape were identified. In cases of penetration, the length of tape penetrating into the adductor region was measured.

Results

Of the 16 cases, the tape ended in the obturator membrane in eight, in the internal obturator muscle in one, and penetrated through the obturator membrane into the external obturator muscle in five, where it remained. In two cases, it penetrated through the obturator internus muscle, obturator membrane and obturator externus muscle into the group of thigh adductors; one penetration was by 3 mm and the second by 10 mm. No contact with the obturator nerve or its branches was noted in any case.

Conclusions

No TVT contact with the obturator nerve was noted; tape penetrated into the adductor region in two of the 16 cases.

     

Transobturator surgery for female stress incontinence: a comparative anatomical study of outside-in vs inside-out techniques

OBJECTIVE To assess the specific risks of injury to neural and vascular structures inherent in two approaches to transobturator surgery for inserting a suburethral sling, i.e. the outside-in (standard technique) and inside-out approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study comprised seven cadavers, providing 14 obturator regions. Five specimens had a tape inserted outside-in on one side, and inside-out on the other; of the remaining two cadavers, one had an inside-out tape and one an outside-in tape, bilaterally. After tape insertion, the cadavers were dissected. Particular attention was paid to the distances between the tape and the deep external pudendal vessels, and between the tape and the posterior branch of the obturator nerve. RESULTS With the inside-out technique, the safety margins were reduced, and the external pudendal vessels and the posterior branch of the obturator nerve were at greater risk of injury. CONCLUSION The two techniques are not equivalent, with a lower risk of injury to vascular and nerve structures with the outside-in technique.     

Chronic vaginal discharge and left leg edema after a transobturator tape procedure

We report on a patient who underwent total vaginal hysterectomy for urinary incontinence 8 years previously with a sling operation using transobturator tape (TOT). She was admitted to our hospital after complaints of vaginal discharge, foul odor, and bleeding, left thigh pain, and edema. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) revealed a fistula tract from the vagina or urethra with remnant sling tape. We removed the remnant tape using intraoperative ultrasonography. This case exemplifies the rare occurrence of a vaginal fistula extending to the obturator, adductor, and pectineus muscles combined with myositis after TOT placement. It is important that urogynecologists recognize that TOT procedures may result in complications accompanied by common recurrent vaginal symptoms, such as vaginal odor and spotting, which can be identified by MRI or CT.     

Surgery for female stress urinary incontinence with transobturator tape

The aim of suburethral transobturator suspension is to cure the women stress urinary incontinence. The concept underlying this apparatus is based on several points: it reproduces the urethral fascia; it complies with Delancey's concept; it consists of a tension-free band through the soft structures of the obturator fossa; it is a perineal surgery. This surgery needs specific devices: a synthetic tape and a specific tool to introduce it, the tunnelling device. Respecting some technical landmarks are mandatory to ensure successful intervention: the vaginal incision must include all the thickness of the vaginal wall; the trans-obturated endpoint must be located at the level of the mid urethra; the tunnelling device must have a close contact with the ischiopubic bone; the finger inside the incision protects the urethra and drives the tunnelling device inside the vaginal incision.     

Groin abscess secondary to trans obturator tape erosion: case report and literature review

AIMS: To report a case of groin abscess secondary to trans obturator tape erosion and review the literature on the incidence, predisposing factors, symptoms and management of tape erosion. METHODS: The clinical history, operative details, postoperative symptoms, findings and management of this case are reported. A thorough literature review of midurethral tape erosions and, in particular, transobturator tape erosions was performed. RESULTS: A 46-year-old woman with urodynamic stress incontinence underwent trans obturator tape insertion. Eight weeks later she developed vaginal discharge and was subsequently diagnosed with a left lateral vaginal wall tape erosion. The eroded section was excised under general anaesthetic. Two weeks later she presented with a large right sided groin abscess which required incision, drainage and debridement of necrotic areas of gracillis and adductor muscles. Short term results following trans obturator tape insertion report excellent efficacy rates (90-96% after 1 year), however there is a lack of long term data on safety and efficacy. Current literature on transobturator tape erosion is scanty and reported rates range from 1.9-7% depending on the tape inserted. Tape erosion commonly presents with vaginal discharge, bleeding or dyspareunia and several methods of management have been reported including conservative management, excision of the eroded section or removal of the entire tape. CONCLUSIONS: Groin abscess following tape erosion is a serious complication resulting in further surgery and months of morbidity for the woman. Prompt management of tape erosion is essential to minimise such complications and more data is required on the long term efficacy and safety of transobturator tapes.     

Management of persistent groin pain after transobturator slings

Prolonged groin pain after transobturator tape is uncommon. Three women reported groin pain that had not improved by 3 months postoperatively. Combined steroid and local anesthetic was effective for pain relief in all patients. The differential diagnosis of persistent groin pain after transobturator tape includes adductor muscle strain, osteitis pubis, obturator/groin abscess, structural adhesions, and inflammation, edema or nerve entrapment of the anterior branch of the obturator nerve. No side effects of treatment were noted. Patients that do not respond to local injection may require mesh dissection and excision.     

Adductor brevis myositis following transobturator tape procedure: a case report and review of the literature

The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure has long been considered the gold standard for female stress incontinence. Since its introduction in 1995, several other tapes and other minimally invasive treatments have arisen. The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure reproduces the natural suspension of the urethra through the obturator and puborectalis muscles. The TOT procedure was reportedly developed in an effort to prevent bladder perforation associated with the TVT and is generally considered to be a procedure with low morbidity. At our institution, we report the first case of infected mesh with subsequent myositis of adductor muscles after a TOT procedure. To our knowledge, this is the first case reporting this complication, citing specifically that the anatomical structures traversed by the tape, including both muscle and fascia, can be at risk for infection and ultimately require removal of the sling material. We performed a MEDLINE literature search using key words such as “transobturator tape,” “tension free vaginal tape,” and “adductor and obturator complications” to ascertain any reported adductor or obturator muscle complications after placement of TOT. Further, we reviewed the literature to elucidate the consequences of using different mesh materials, specifically their effects on erosion. We reported our case of a 43-year-old woman who presented with right-leg cellulitis and vaginal discharge after having a TOT placed for stress incontinence. Inflammation of the adductor muscles was demonstrated on computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasound. On physical exam, the mesh had visibly eroded through the vaginal wall. Our patient underwent excision of the mesh material. She ultimately had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged home in good condition on the postoperative day 2. The mesh material removed was ObTape®. We believe our study is the first case report to discuss the complication of infected adductor muscles and erosion of the tape during post-TOT procedure. After a careful review of the literature, there is no mention of myositis of adductor muscles as a possible complication after the TOT procedure. In fact, the literature has deemed this minimally invasive treatment as a safe and effective procedure with minimal complications including only de novo urgency or urinary retention. The site of infection is of particular interest and can be explained by the course through the anatomical structures that are unique to this particular procedure. Ultimately, the treatment for this procedure was the removal of the mesh along with broad-spectrum antibiotics. In conclusion, the burden falls upon the surgeons to report in a timely fashion both successes and complication for the TOT procedure given their relatively limited experience. This is paramount in determining patients’ risks.     

Comparison of two inside‐out transobturator suburethral sling techniques for stress incontinence: Early postoperative thigh pain and 3‐year outcomes

Objectives: Inside‐out tension‐free vaginal tape obturators for the cure of female stress incontinence can cause postoperative thigh pain. The aim of the present study was to analyze and compare the mid‐term outcomes of two tension‐free vaginal tape obturator procedures. Methods: Patients diagnosed with urinary stress incontinence were enrolled to undergo a tension‐free vaginal tape obturator sub‐mid urethral tape operation either by de‐Leval's method or by Flam's modification. Peri‐ and postoperative data were collected by uninvolved researchers and analyzed. Follow up was 36 months. Results: Overall, 161 patients were included in the study. Cure and complication rates were similar between the two treatment groups. Postoperative thigh pain was significantly more frequent and lasted longer in the de‐Leval group compared with the Flam group (31.9% vs 10.0%, respectively). Urinary urgency was more frequent in the de‐Leval patients (20.3% vs 2.8%). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that both tension‐free vaginal tape obturator procedures are effective with few adverse effects. The Flam method provides shorter and decreased levels of postoperative thigh pain, as well as reduced long‐term postoperative urinary urgency.     

Obturator nerve injury: a rare complication of retropubic tension-free vaginal sling

The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) retropubic sling is a very effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence. High cure rates are typically achieved, and the reported complication rate is relatively low. Obturator neuralgia secondary to insertion of a midurethral sling is a rare and specific type of chronic pain that is more commonly associated with transobturator tape slings. The purpose of this video case report was to demonstrate that obturator nerve injury is a possible complication of TVT retropubic slings placement. A discussion of symptoms and signs of obturator nerve injury and how these should be managed is also presented.     

Large thigh abscess after placement of synthetic transobturator sling

PURPOSE: To report a unique complication associated with transobturator slings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evaluation and treatment of a unique infectious complication of transobturator slings is reviewed. RESULTS: A large thigh abscess associated with a transobturator sling was diagnosed and treated. CONCLUSION: New techniques of sling placement may be associated with unique infectious complications. Slings passing through the obturator foramen and thigh can lead to a significant abscess within the adductor muscles of the thigh.     

The dorsal nerve of the clitoris in relation to urinary incontinence sling procedures

Introduction and hypothesis

To avoid injury to the perineal branches of the pudendal nerve during urinary incontinence sling procedures, a thorough knowledge of the course of these nerve branches is essential. The dorsal nerve of the clitoris (DNC) may be at risk when performing the retropubic (tension-free vaginal tape) procedure as well as the inside-out and outside-in transobturator tape procedures. The purpose of this study was to identify the anatomical relationships of the DNC to the tapes placed during the procedures mentioned and to determine the influence of body variations.

Methods

In this cadaveric study, the body mass index (cBMI) of unembalmed cadavers was determined. Suburethral tape procedures were performed by a registered urologist and gynecologist on a sample of 15 female cadavers; six retropubic, seven inside-out and nine outside-in transobturator tapes were inserted. After embalmment, dissections were performed and the distances between the DNC and the tapes measured.

Results

In general the trajectory of the outside-in tape was closer to the DNC than that of the other tapes. cBMI was weakly and nonsignificantly correlated with the distance between the trajectory of the tape and the DNC for the inside-out tape and the tension-free vaginal tape, but not for the outside-in tape.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the DNC is less likely to be injured during the inside-out tape procedure than during the outside-in procedure, regardless of BMI. Future studies on larger samples are desirable to confirm these findings.

     

An anatomic comparison of the original versus a modified inside-out transobturator procedure

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the modification of a shortened tape and reduced dissection of the inside-out transobturator procedure on the tape??s relationship to the relevant anatomical structures.

Methods

In ten fresh frozen cadavers, relevant distances between the two different tapes and anatomical structures were recorded.

Results

The shorter tape traversed less muscular structures, but consistently traversed the obturator membrane. The median distance from the tape to the obturator canal measured 2.0 versus 1.9?cm, to the anterior obturator nerve 3.0 versus 2.7?cm, and to the posterior obturator nerve 2.2 versus 2.0?cm [modified versus original procedure, respectively (p?>?0.05)]. Significantly, less mesh was inserted in the modified procedure on each side of the body (6.1 versus 9.9?cm, p?Conclusions The shorter, inside-out transobturator tape traverses less muscular structures than its original counterpart, while still consistently anchoring in the obturator membrane at a similarly safe distance from the obturator canal.     

A prospective trial comparing tension-free vaginal tape and transobturator vaginal tape inside-out for the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: 1-year followup

PURPOSE: We prospectively compared the efficacy and safety of tension-free vaginal tape and transobturator vaginal tape inside-out for female stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 women with stress urinary incontinence were alternately assigned to the tension-free vaginal tape group (60) or the transobturator vaginal tape inside-out group (60). Preoperative evaluation included urodynamic study and a Korean version of the incontinence quality of life questionnaire. One year after operation the surgical result, patient satisfaction, incontinence quality of life questionnaire, long-term complications and uroflowmetry were evaluated in the 2 groups. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were comparable in the 2 groups. Mean +/- SD operative time was significantly shorter in the transobturator vaginal tape inside-out vs the tension-free vaginal tape group (11 +/- 1.4 vs 15 +/- 1.8 minutes). In the transobturator vaginal tape inside-out and the tension-free vaginal tape groups the rates of cure (86.8% and 86.8%), improvement (6.6% and 8.2%) and failure (6.6% and 5.0%, respectively) were similar. Incontinence quality of life questionnaire parameters 1 year after surgery were improved significantly in each group and there was no difference between the 2 groups (p <0.001 and >0.05, respectively). There was no long-term complication in either group. Preoperative urge incontinence resolved in 80% of the tension-free vaginal tape group and in 100% of the transobturator vaginal tape inside-out group. De novo urgency developed in 4 patients (6.6%) in the transobturator vaginal tape inside-out group. CONCLUSIONS: The tension-free vaginal tape and transobturator vaginal tape inside-out procedures were minimally invasive and similar in operation related morbidity. Transobturator vaginal tape inside-out appeared to be as effective and safe as tension-free vaginal tape for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women at 1-year followup.     

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.     

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.