Correlation between changes in ultrasound measurements and clinical curative effect of tension-free vaginal tape-SECUR* procedure

The hypotheses of this study were that the TVT-SECUR procedure restricts urethral mobility, which leads to a greater likelihood of curative effect, and that the restriction might change over time.

Analyses of the position of the urethra and the tape of 85 patients who underwent the TVT-S procedure were performed using perineal ultrasonography. The efficacy of the TVT-S procedure was evaluated by cough test and by the questionnaire ICIQ-UI SF.

Objectively, 53/85 (62%) of patients had a negative cough test, and in 32/85 (38%) of patients leakage of urine persisted. The TVT-S procedure restricts urethral mobility, and a higher degree of obstruction is associated with a higher likelihood of cure. The restriction weakens within the first 3 months after surgery.

The objective cure rate of TVT-S procedure is low irrespective of placement technique. This may be due to insufficient restriction of urethral mobility.