Release of tension-free vaginal tape for the treatment of refractory postoperative voiding dysfunction

To report our experience with surgical release of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of persistent post-TVT voiding dysfunction.

A total of 1175 women underwent TVT placement for treatment of genuine stress urinary incontinence and/or intrinsic sphincter deficiency over a 2-year period. Additional procedures and vaginal repairs were performed as indicated. Among these patients, 23 women (1.9%) had persistent voiding dysfunction (urinary retention, incomplete bladder emptying, or severe urgency or urge incontinence) refractory to conservative management. This cohort underwent a simple vaginal TVT release procedure, performed on an outpatient basis. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative, and postoperative details were assessed by review of operative notes, medical records, and office notes. Continence status was assessed using subjective and objective information.

Mean age was 67 years (range 46-86 years), and the mean interval between TVT placement and release was 17.3 weeks (range 2-69 weeks; median 8.6 weeks). For the release procedure, there were no intraoperative complications, and all patients were discharged on the day of surgery. All cases of impaired emptying were completely resolved, and all cases of irritative symptoms were resolved (30%) or improved (70%) by 6 weeks. Fourteen (61%) patients remained continent 6 weeks after the release procedure, six (26%) were improved over baseline, and three patients (13%) had recurrence of stress incontinence.

Refractory voiding dysfunction after TVT is a relatively uncommon situation and can be successfully managed with a simple midline release procedure. In most cases, the release procedure does not compromise overall improvement in symptoms of stress incontinence.