The prevalence of voiding difficulty after TVT, its impact on quality of life, and related risk factors.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of voiding difficulty (VD), quality of life, and related risk factors after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study in 703 women with a TVT procedure for stress urinary incontinence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

VD stated by women, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) question 5 (difficulty in emptying the bladder), maximum flow rate, postvoid residual urine, necessity of postoperative catheterization, tape division, and impact on quality of life (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, IIQ-7).

RESULTS

Postoperative catheterization (>24 h) was necessary in 11% and tape division in 1.3% of patients. There were 26% of women who stated VD and 25% reported moderate to great impairment on the UDI-6 after 36 months. While the negative impact on the outcome of TVT in women with abnormal voiding compared to women without is higher, the impact decreased significantly after TVT, implying a considerable improvement in quality of life. Pre-operative existing voiding difficulty and concomitant prolapse surgery were independent risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of VD occurred after TVT and caused lesser improvement in quality of life.