The tension-free vaginal tape procedure for the treatment of stress incontinence in the female patient.
The newest development in the treatment of female stress incontinence is the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. This procedure was first described by Ulmsten et al. in 1996 and involves recreating suburethral support with a polypropylene mesh, without repositioning the bladder or urethra. In their initial study, Ulmsten et al. reported an 84% cure rate at 2-year follow-up. The purpose of this report is to discuss the evolution and technical aspects of the TVT procedure and to outline the pre- and postoperative care recommended. A brief summary of our initial experience in our first 100 patients is included.
Carlin
B I
BI
Division of Urology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. BCAquaman@aol.com
Klutke
J J
JJ
Klutke
C G
CG
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery*
D011126:Polypropylenes