A new titanium-covered transobturator tape for surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis To assess the long-term satisfaction, cure rate and safety of a new titanium-covered transobturator tape compared to polypropylene tape for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods A prospective study was conducted with 151 patients. Seventy patients underwent transobturator sling surgery with titanium tape from 2011 to 2019, and a historical control group (CG) of 81 patients was treated with a noncoated tape and underwent incontinence surgery from 1999 to 2009. We compared patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with the incontinence outcome questionnaire (IOQ). Results The median follow-up was 2½ years in both groups. Based on responses to the IOQ, a statistically significantly shorter time of recovery (IOQ 15: 21.3 ± 26.4 [TG], 40.2 ± 38.5 [CG], p = 0.02), improvement of sex life (IOQ 13: 34.1 ± 29.4 [TG] vs. 65.3 ± 35.6 [CG], p = 0.01) and less voiding dysfunction (IOQ 19: 30.9 ± 28.1 [CG], 9.3 ± 18.6 [TG], p = 0.01) were observed in the TG. Objectively, no postoperative urinary retention was observed in the TG, but four cases were described in the CG. Ten patients needed a reoperation for SUI in the CG compared to three in the TG (p = 0.03). Conclusion The titanium-covered transobturator sling had superior recovery time, improved sexual function and reduced reoperation rate compared to a historical polypropylene group.

A Prospective Study of the Quality of Life of Patients with Stress Incontinence before and after a Transobturator Tape (TOT) Procedure—Preliminary Report

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant social problem. The latest figures show that it affects as many as 17–60% of the female population, and it is one of the most common chronic diseases. Incontinence substantially decreases the quality of patients’ lives. The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure is the gold standard in surgical treatment due to its high efficacy and low complication rate. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients with stress incontinence before and after the TOT procedure. Method: The study included 57 patients diagnosed with stress incontinence on the basis of ultrasonography and history. The QoL before and after surgery was measured using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and the Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) standardised questionnaires. Results: The IIQ-7 scores for each question were higher (indicating poorer quality of life) before surgery than after surgery. The results for almost all domains were statistically significant. The I-QOL results also showed that, in most cases, the quality of patients’ lives improved after the surgery. Statistically significant changes were observed in all three questionnaire domains of avoidance/limiting behaviour, psychosocial impact, and social embarrassment. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of stress incontinence with TOT results in resolution of bothersome symptoms in the majority of patients, leading to improved comfort in life.

Translabial ultrasound: a non-invasive technique for assessing “technical errors” after TOT failure

Introduction and hypothesis The aims of this study were to evaluate by transperineal ultrasound if there were ultrasound-detectable changes over time in the dynamic behavior of the sling in patients who underwent transobturator tape (TOT), and to evaluate if dynamic translabial ultrasonography recognized factors that may be associated with failed surgery. Methods This was a single-center prospective study. We included women who underwent “out-in” TOT for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A dynamic translabial ultrasound was performed 6 months post-surgery and again at the last visit. The objective cure for SUI was defined as the absence of urine leakage during the stress test. We evaluated the bladder neck mobility at rest and during Valsalva; the position of the mesh along the urethra; the concordance of urethral movement with the sling during Valsalva; the symmetry of the lateral arms of the sling during straining; and the presence or absence of bladder neck funneling. Results From December 2012 to February 2016, 80 consecutive patients were included. Six months after surgery, incontinent women compared with continent women had the sling in a proximal or distal position, that moved discordantly with the urethra (p < 0.0001), with asymmetry arm and bladder neck funneling (p < 0.0001). Continent patients had a significant improvement of urethrocele grade both at rest (p = 0.036) and during Valsalva (p = 0.045). Conclusions Technical and positioning errors can lead to the failure of anti-incontinence surgical treatment. Translabial ultrasound allows the correct positioning of the sling to be evaluated and any errors that need to be analyzed in order to then solve the failure.

Bladder Injury: A complication of Transobturator Tape Surgery

Minimally invasive vaginal surgeries are often a preferred mode of surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. It is associated with fewer complications. However, complications including hemorrhage, voiding dysfunction, infection, pain, skin infection and erosion, and bladder injuries are observed. We encountered intraoperative bladder injury in a 40-year-old female patient with stress urinary incontinence who underwent transobturator tape (TOT) surgery. Cystoscopy demonstrated a small defect post procedure. She was managed conservatively with foley catheterization for 2 weeks following TOT procedure. She was dry and continent upon follow up.