Long-term Evaluation of Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) Outcomes for a UK Surgeon: Objective Assessment and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaires

Objective: To evaluate the complication rates and long-term results of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) placement for a single surgeon, in terms of objective assessment and patient reported outcome. Patients and methods: Data are presented for 118 cases treated between 1998 and 2004. All patients had proven urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and were asked to complete a postal symptom questionnaire at a median of 62 months post-procedure. Results: Mean duration of incontinence was 6.6 years, and 18.6% of patients had undergone previous incontinence surgery. Median hospital stay was 24 h. Complications were bladder perforation in 6.8%, failure to void 11%, haemorrhage 0.8% and late bladder, urethral and vaginal erosions in 3.4%, 0.8% and 1.7%, respectively. Overall continence rates were 86.4% (102/118) at a mean follow-up of 14.5 months. At a mean of 62 months post-operatively (range 31–102 months), questionnaire response rate was 54/118 (45.8%). 72.2% (30/54) of patients reported cure or improvement in symptoms, and 43/52 (82.7%) would recommend this procedure to a friend with similar symptoms. Conclusion: The outcomes reported compare favourably with published series and confirm the benefit of TVT as a procedure for USI. Patient satisfaction is high and morbidity low.