Urinary complications and sexual function after the tension-free vaginal tape procedure

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate urinary and sexual function after the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) support procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Between January 1999 and July 2002 a total of 71 patients underwent comprehensive examination including urodynamics and a mailed self-administered questionnaire for assessment of voiding and sexual function before and after treatment of SUI by TVT.

Based on objective findings TVT was considered as curative in 48 patients (87.3%). Comparison of preoperative and postoperative urodynamic evidence demonstrated a significant outflow obstruction (<12 ml/s) in 19 patients (34.5%). A significant decrease in peak urinary flow during voiding (p < 0.001) was also observed. Of the 55 women (78.5%) who responded to the questionnaire before and after TVT, 42 (76.3%) reported satisfaction with the outcome. Postoperatively, 60% of patients reported voiding difficulty, 47.2% complained of urgency, and 32.7% of frequency. Regarding sexual function 20% reported impairment after surgery including dyspareunia in 14.5% (none preoperatively vs. eight postoperatively, <0.01) and loss of libido in 5.4%.

The TVT procedure is an effective treatment for SUI. However, it can lead to postoperative voiding and sexual impairment.