The tensionfree vaginal tape procedure (TVT) for treatment of female urinary incontinence. A minimal invasive surgical procedure.

Background: To test the suitability of a new surgical procedure for treatment of female urinary incontinence to be used as an ambulatory and minimal invasive operation.

Methods: Thirty-one consecutive patients with urodynamically proven stress incontinence had a tensionfree vaginal tape procedure performed. Operation time, the amount of anesthetics and analgetics used, postoperative mobilization, voiding patterns, residual urine volumes, per- and postoperative complications, hospital stay and need for sick leave were prospectively recorded.

Results: All 31 patients were cured from stress incontinence. Local anesthesia was used in all cases and additional analgetics were needed in only small doses. Seventy per cent of the patients were released from the hospital on the same day of the operation. By medical criteria 90% could have been released on the same day. No significant per- or postoperative complications occurred. Three patients needed postoperative catheterization. All but one patient was able to empty her bladder within 24 hours from the operation. An average of 15 days sick leave was prescribed.

Conclusion: The tensionfree vaginal tape procedure seems to fulfil the criteria for being regarded as a minimal invasive surgical procedure for treatment of female urinary stress incontinence. It is highly effective and is associated with very few intra and postoperative side effects.