[Health-related quality of life in women operated on by surgical anti-incontinence procedures: comparison of three techniques].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the health-related quality of life (Contilife) after three surgical anti-incontinence procedures (Tension-Free Vaginal Tape [TVT], Transobturator Vaginal Tape [TOT], and Transobturator Vaginal Tape [TVT-O]).


METHODS
We performed a prospective analysis of 90 women (30 TVT, 30 TOT, 30 TVT-0) with genuine stress incontinence pre- and postoperatively at 18 months. The objective cure rate was determined by clinical and urodynamic examination and the subjective cure rate by the Contilife questionnaire.


RESULTS
Prior to surgery, patients complained more of effort activities, followed by global well-being. Postoperatively, all domains improved significantly without statistical difference between the three groups and 90% of the patients would advise the intervention to one of their friends.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical outcomes vary greatly depending on the methodology of the study. Health-related quality of life seems paramount to decide time of surgery and to evaluate postoperatory results. We have chosen the Contilife questionnaire because of its scientific and clinical validity, reliability, responsiveness and linguistic validation. These results confirm that TVT/TOT/TVT-O procedures are a safe and effective surgical method and that they significantly improved health-related quality of life.
Chêne
G
G
Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHU de Saint-Etienne, 42055 Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France. chenegautier@yahoo.fr
Tardieu
A-S
AS
Cotte
B
B
Chauleur
C
C
Savary
D
D
Krief
M
M
Anton-Bousquet
M-C
MC
Mansoor
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D053825:Suburethral Slings; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*