title: A randomized trial comparing tension-free vaginal tape with tension-free vaginal tape-obturator: 36-month results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This is a randomized multicenter study comparing two mid-urethra tape procedures, the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) with the tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) in terms of cure rate and complication rate.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven Finnish hospitals participated. Power calculations required 130 women in each group to detect a 10% difference in cure rate. A total of 267 underwent the allocated operation. Follow-up was scheduled at 2, 12, 36 and 60 months. A cough stress test was used as an objective outcome measure. Subjective outcome was assessed by five different condition-specific quality of life questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 36 months of follow-up, 96% of the patients were evaluated. Objective cure rate was 94.6% in the TVT group and 89.5% in the TVT-O group (p = 0.131). Subjective cure rates were significant with no difference between the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The TVT and the TVT-O are equally effective in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence after 36-month follow-up with no difference in complication rates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, POB 140 Haartmaninkatu 2, 00029, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Kirsi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Palva
authors.forename: Kirsi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rinne
authors.forename: Pauliina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aukee
authors.forename: Aarre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kivelä
authors.forename: Eija
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Laurikainen
authors.forename: Teuvo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Takala
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valpas
authors.forename: Carl Gustaf
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Nilsson
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D053825:Suburethral Slings; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014554:Urination