[Determinants of success and recurrence after suburetral free tape procedure for female urinary incontinence].

OBJECTIVE

To provide a critical assessment on the tension free vaginal tape procedure used to support the urethra in female urinary incontinence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We identified articles related to Tension free vaginal tape through a MEDLINE search of English published literature from May 1998 to May 2006. Randomised control trial (RCTs) and retrospective clinical trials were selected including 478 publications on TVT (Tension-free Vaginal Tape), 55 on TOT) (Transobturator Tape), 17 on SPARC (Supra Pubic Arc), 2 on TPP) (Pre Pubic TVT). For the analysis of the functional results of the tape were not available: papers with a mean follow-up under 6 months, the invitation papers or non reviewed manuscript, the redundant papers in the same department, specific case control study.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Preoperative age over 70years old and morbid obesity do not seem to be a risk factor for failure of the TVT procedure; however, there is an increase of de novo urgency for age over 70 years old and BMI over 35. Suburetral tape procedure is highly effective in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. The urethral hypermobility increases the efficacy of the procedure, however women with fixed urethra, are at significantly increased risks for failure of the procedure. In the same way, preoperative mixed urinary incontinence and voiding difficulties alter the success rate of the procedure. The mode of anaesthesia and the topography of the tape (retropubic or transobturator) have no incidence on the results. There is a definite learning curve (n=20) for the efficiency and the morbidity of the procedure. Cranial topography of the tape and associated procedures are associated with urgency and voiding difficulties.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis factors having an effect on the success of the procedure are the urethral mobility, the mixed urinary incontinence, the learning curve, and the type of protheses.