Long‐term results of tension‐free vaginal tape for female urinary incontinence: Follow up over 6 years

OBJECTIVE: To describe the long-term outcome of using tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) with and without associated procedures. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to a population of 61 women who had undergone TVT surgery more than 6 years ago. Of this population, 41 (80%) had suffered from stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The questionnaire included questions about urinary symptoms, satisfaction and quality of life. The questionnaire was answered by 51 of the 61 women. RESULTS: Mean follow up was 83 months. The women with SUI had a persistent cure rate of 80% with a satisfaction rate of 97%. The cure rate after 6 years was 37% in women with mixed incontinence. Concomitant hysterectomy (relative risks = 0.87) and body mass index (BMI) do not alter the long-term results of TVT procedure. Peroperative bladder injury is not associated with an increased risk of long-term lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or with a decreased satisfaction rate (relative risks = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant hysterectomy, increased BMI and bladder injury do not alter good long-term results of TVT.