In a nutshell
This study investigated the role of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) obturator (O) and TVT – Secur (S) in the treatment of urinary incontinence in women. Researchers suggested that TVT-O is associated with better outcomes in these patients.
Some background
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects around 15 million adult women in the US. It consists of the leakage of urine when a physical movement (like sneezing) puts pressure (stress) in the bladder. It commonly affects middle-aged and elderly women. This affects the social life of these patients and consequently, their quality of life.
TVT-O and TVT-S are two of the most common surgeries in patients with SUI. In these surgeries, tape is placed around the urinary tube to form a sling. This will support the tube and prevent urine leakage. The difference between these two methods is in the way that the doctor reaches the urinary tube during surgery. TVT-S is a less invasive method consisting of one single opening, while TVT-O involves several cuts.
Prior studies comparing the effectiveness of these two methods have contrary results and other limitations. Therefore, the effectiveness of either method is not fully understood.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed 7 other studies including information about 755 patients. Of these, 373 underwent TVT-O and 382 TVT-S.
The TVT-O group had 1.72 times the odds of better treatment response. However, the TVT-S group was 18.94 times less likely to experience thigh pain after surgery.
No significant differences were found in the duration of surgery, urinary retention, or infection between both groups.
The bottom line
This study concluded that TVT-obturator resulted in better response in women with urinary incontinence, at the expense of higher thigh pain after surgery.
The fine print
This study was based on medical records. Some information might have been incomplete. This might affect the results.
Published By :
International journal of clinical practice
Date :
Apr 08, 2020
