Adjustable vs. ordinary transobturator tape for female stress incontinence. Is there a difference?

To determine whether there are any significant differences in complications and success rate between adjustable transobturator tape (TOA) and ordinary transobturator tape (TOT) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (fSUI), as the TOA was recently introduced for the treatment of female SUI, its advantage being the ability to adjust the tape after surgery to address over- or under-correction.

In all, 96 women with SUI (mean age 53 years, SD 10) were included in the study. Patients were randomised into two equal groups (group 1, TOA, vs. group 2, TOT). The operative duration, blood loss, intra- and post-operative complications, and the success rate, were compared between the groups.

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in cure rates (83% vs. 80%, groups 1 and 2, respectively) or in postoperative stay. The mean operative duration in group 2 was significantly shorter than in group 1. No intraoperative bleeding requiring a blood transfusion was recorded, and there were no bladder injuries. Postoperative adjustment of the tape was only required in three patients in group 1.

The TOA is a safe and accurate method for treating fSUI, but with experienced surgeons there was no difference in the cure rate and postoperative outcome between TOA and TOT.