Tension-free vaginal tape operation: results of the Austrian registry

To assess the use of and perioperative complications associated with the tension-free vaginal tape operation with a central registry.

Fifty-five gynecology units completed questionnaires on patients undergoing the tension-free vaginal tape operation. Information was collected on patient, surgical, and postoperative data.

A total of 2795 patients were entered. Overall, 773 patients (28%) had undergone previous surgery for incontinence or prolapse; 1640 (59%) tension-free vaginal tapes were performed as isolated operations, and 1155 (41%) were done in combination with other procedures. The median operating time for tension-free vaginal tapes alone was 30 minutes (range 10-120). Of the isolated tension-free vaginal tapes, 727 (44%) were performed with local, 711 (43%) with regional, and 193 (12%) with general anesthesia. In patients undergoing tension-free vaginal tape only, postoperative bladder drainage was obtained with intermittent catheterization in 389 (24%) patients, an indwelling urethral catheter in 1032 (63%), and a suprapubic catheter in 143 (9%). The bladder perforation rate was 2.7% overall (n = 75) and higher in patients with than in those without previous surgery (4.4% compared with 2.0%, P =.01). There were four bladder perforations (3.3%) among the 120 patients with previous colposuspension. Most patients undergoing tension-free vaginal tape only were able to void the next day (range 0 to over 64). A total of 68 patients (2.4%) required reoperation for reasons related to the tape (39 to loosen, remove, or cut the tape, or to place a suprapubic catheter, 19 for hematoma, one for bowel injury).

The tension-free vaginal tape has become a frequently performed operation in Austria. There are considerable variations in clinical practice. The risk of bladder perforation was increased in patients with previous surgery. Severe complications were rare.