Complications associated with the tension-free vaginal tape procedure: the Korean experience

Abstract

The object was to assess the incidence of complications in patients who had undergone the tension-free vaginal tape procedure and their management. A total of 274 women 28–80 years old (mean: 55.1) with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in the study. Follow-up evaluation included questionnaire assessment, physical examination with a stress test, uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine measurement. Bladder perforations were noted in 13 (4.7%). Thirty-eight patients (13.9%) had postvoid residual urine volume >100 ml twice consecutively or failed to void. Twenty-three women had resolution of their voiding dysfunction with intermittent catheterization. Fourteen patients underwent urethral dilatation and four subsequently underwent a release and/or cutting of the tape. Fifty-seven patients (20.8%) had other voiding problems, but a normal voiding pattern was achieved spontaneously in 34. Fourteen women have shown resolution of their voiding symptoms after urethral dilatation. The present study demonstrates that the tension-free vaginal tape procedure is a safe technique for the treatment of female urinary incontinence. In addition, our findings suggest that there may be a role for urethral dilatation in the management of voiding difficulty associated with the procedure.