Transvaginal urethrolysis for obstruction after antiincontinence surgery

Our objective was to determine our success in relieving bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) with a transvaginal urethrolysis (TVU). This was a chart review that included 55 patients who underwent 61 TVU procedures between 2001 and 2005. Twenty-three patients had at least one prior TVU. Outcomes evaluated included obstructive symptoms, need for catheterization, postvoid residual (PVR), irritative symptoms, and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Of the 46 patients with obstructive voiding preoperatively, 87% were cured. Of the 47 patients with irritative symptoms, 45% were cured, 34% improved, and 21% were left unchanged. SUI, generally mild, was noted postoperatively in 16% patients. Similar success was seen among patients with prior procedures. Aggressive TVU is very successful in relieving urinary retention and improving or curing overactive bladder symptomatology due to iatrogenic obstruction, even when a prior urethrolysis had been unsuccessful. SUI is an infrequent complication.