Influence of Demographic and Clinical Factors on Surgical Outcomes of the Transobturator Tape Procedure in Patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence

BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent problem within the female population with associated high psycho-social impact. Transobturator tape procedure is a well-established procedure to treat the same, but the results may be influenced by various preoperative demographic and clinical factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 50 female patients with genuine SUI, who were then divided into subgroups based on demographic and clinical factors. Outcomes were compared between these subgroups at 6 and 12 months using self-reported questionnaires and provocative stress test. RESULTS: Our results show positive correlation with statistically significant better surgical outcomes in premenopausal patients, patients aged <50 years and those having urethral mobility > 30 degrees. Statistically significant poor outcomes were seen in those having undergone hysterectomy or Caesarean section. No correlation was found with history of smoking or the patient's body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the transobturator tape procedure appears to be more effective in premenopausal women, women aged < 50 years, women without history of hysterectomy/lower section Caesarean section, and presence of urethral hypermobility > 30 degrees. On the other hand, outcomes do not appear to be influenced by the patient's body mass index or smoking status.