title: TVT-O versus Monarc after a 2-4-year follow-up: a prospective comparative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare outcome and quality of life of tension-free vaginal tape "inside-out" (TVT-O) and Monarc transobturator tapes after 2-4 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  The method used was a prospective comparative study. Participants (n = 191) were assigned to either a TVT-O (n = 93) or a Monarc (n = 98) procedure. Cure of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was defined as the statement of the woman of not experiencing any loss of urine upon physical exercise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cure rates after 2-4 years were 72% for TVT-O and 65% for Monarc, while improvement was observed in, respectively, 12% and 21% (p = 0.3). There was a statistically significant improvement in quality of life but no differences were found between both procedures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After a 2-4-year follow-up period, both procedures were equally safe and effective in curing SUI.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Elisabeth Hospital Tilburg, Rooseveltlaan 35 III 1079 AC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. marijnhouwert@hotmail.com
authors: R Marijn
authors: RM
authors: Houwert
authors: Charlotte
authors: C
authors: Renes-Zijl
authors: M Caroline
authors: MC
authors: Vos
authors: Harry A M
authors: HA
authors: Vervest
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D053825:Suburethral Slings / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*