Tehran University Medical Journal

Background and Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tension-free Tape for the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

Materials and Methods: In a prospective open study for pre and post operative, we followed 36 patients at least 1.5 years after surgery (18-28 months) all patients underwent the operation under local anesthesia, allowing the surgeon to check intra-operatively that continence has been obtained.

Results: Mean operation time was 36 minutes (range 20-45 minutes). 32(89%) of the patients was cured according to the protocol, another 3(8.3%) were significantly improved and there was 1(2.7%) failure. Mast of patients (about 91%) were operated on a one day-care basis, which implies that they were released from the hospital the day after the procedure, and no post operative catheterization, defect healing and tape rejection occurred. Pain free recovery time without any analgesic was another benefit. Five patients needed an indwelling catheter for 3 days and two uncomplicated hematoma occurred.

Conclusion: Based on the results, we conclude that Tension-free Vaginal Tape is a safe and effective ambulatory procedure for surgical treatment of genuine stress urinary incontinence, which allows the majority of the women to be discharged from the clinic the day after the procedure and start their works in the second week.