Vervest Harry A M, Bisseling Tanya M, Heintz A Peter M, Schraffordt Koops Steven E
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Elisabeth Hospital, P.O. Box 90151, 5000 Tilburg, LC, The Netherlands.
Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2007 Feb;18(2):173-82. doi: 10.1007/s00192-006-0127-5. Epub 2006 Apr 22.
To determine the prevalence of voiding difficulty (VD), quality of life, and related risk factors after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT).
Prospective cohort study in 703 women with a TVT procedure for stress urinary incontinence.
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).
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.
Symptoms of VD occurred after TVT and caused lesser improvement in quality of life.
