Voiding dysfunction after the tension-free vaginal tape procedure

To assess the incidence of voiding dysfunction in women undergoing a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure and report our experience with nonsurgical and surgical management.

Pre- and postoperative introital ultrasonographic measurement of the residual volume was performed in a prospective observational study. Patients' perception of micturition and continence status was assessed by questionnaire.

Of 478 women, 4 (0.8%) suffered from micturition disturbance within the first 2 weeks. In the mean of 3 months after surgery, 7.1% of the patients had residual volume between 50 and 100 ml, and 2.6% had residual volume >100 ml. 243 women were investigated after 39 months (range 12-74). The rate of residual volume exceeding 50 ml decreased to 6.5% and was approximated to the preoperative period.

Incomplete bladder emptying is a possible problem after TVT. In our cohort, 93% of the women had no voiding disturbances or marginally affected voiding after 12-74 months.