Fulfilment of patient goals after tension-free vaginal tape operation for stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this study was to investigate patient-reported goals after a tension-free vaginal tape operation for stress urinary incontinence and the correlation with postoperative incontinence.

Methods

A prospective study involving 70 women was carried out. Preoperatively, patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and stated three goals for the operation. A telephone interview was performed 3 months postoperatively.

Results

A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score from zero to ten estimated the extent to which goals were achieved. Goals were divided into five groups: 1, symptoms; 2, quality of life (physical); 3, quality of life (emotional); 4, sexual function; 5, avoidance. ICIQ-UI SF preoperative mean was 14.9 and postoperative mean was 1.5 (p?n?=?10), that their mental focus was still on incontinence (n?=?7) or that they had not yet tried some of the physical aims (n?=?7).

Conclusions

Most patients achieved their goals. The majority of the goals concerned quality of life in the physical domains.