Results of tension-free vaginal tape for recurrent stress urinary incontinence after unsuccessful transobturator tape surgery

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate cure rate and mid-term results of tension-free vaginal tape for recurrent stress urinary incontinence after failed transobturator tape surgery. Material and Methods Between January 2006 and December 2011, 42 women were enrolled in this study. Patient characteristics and operating parameters were recorded, and any complications were noted. All patients were followed up for at least 24 months after the second surgery. The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and the Urinary Distress Inventory were used to identify satisfaction level. Results The mean age of the patients was 49.07 +/- 8.6 years, and median period between transobturator surgery and the tension-free vaginal tape procedure was 12.8 (range 9.2-17.8) months. The cure rate was 83.3% and 76.2% at the first- and second-year follow-up visits, respectively. Intraoperative complications were transient and slight. Bladder injury in five patients and subcutaneous hematoma above the pubis in two patients were the most serious complications, but they were managed conservatively. We found the scores of the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and Urinary Distress Inventory to be significantly lower at follow-up, compared to the preoperative assessment. De novo urgency was the most common complaint at follow-up and occurred in 11.9% of the women. Conclusions We suggest that tension-free vaginal tape is a feasible surgical option for recurrent stress urinary incontinence. Further studies with larger patient numbers and longer follow-up periods are needed to support this finding.