Feasibility of performing TVT operation for stress urinary incontinence under general anaesthesia

This study assesses the feasibility of performing the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) operation under general anaesthesia (GA). Fifty patients underwent TVT operation under GA. The mean age was 51.3 years (range 32-80). The mean operating time was 21 minutes (range 15-24). Forty (80%) were primary and 10 (20%) were secondary procedures. Postoperatively 22 (44%) patients passed urine within 24 hours and an indwelling catheter was used in 28 (56%) patients. The mean stay was 40 hours (8 hours-5 days). Postoperative evaluation was performed at 2, 6 and 11 months (median follow up 6 months). One patient had an infected retropubic haematoma, necessitating removal of the sling. Of the 49 patients analysed, 72% were completely cured and another 20% were significantly improved. Our findings show that TVT operation can be performed under GA without intra-operative continence demonstration. The success rate of the operation is comparable with the published results.