The effect of transobturator tape surgery on female sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose We aimed to review the literature regarding the effects of trans obturator tape surgery (TOT) on sexual functions in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) to reveal compact data and to reach more consistent and reliable results. Methods PRISMA statement was used in the current review. The databases of PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were detected independently. We evaluated the studies comparing the preoperative and postoperative sexuality parameters related to the TOT procedure in females. Studies presenting the mean and standard deviation(SD) of global and sub-item Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI) were included in the current study. Results We identified 783 studies in full publications or abstract forms using the methodology above and the search terms. Finally, eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis of the mean difference demonstrated that the total sexual function scores of the patients improved after TOT surgery. Conclusion The data collected from the current meta-analysis suggest that TOT surgery improves female sexual function.