Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT)

Indications:

Urinary incontinence in women occurs for a variety of reasons.
In stress incontinence, urine escapes when the pressure in the bladder exceeds the pressure in the waterpipe (urethra). This usually occurs when a patient exerts a sudden abdominal strain such as coughing, sneezing or laughing. Urinary leakage may also occur during sexual activity.
Mild or moderate stress incontinence is usually treated with lifestyle modifications combined with special muscle-strengthening exercises.
Severe stress incontinence, or failure of the above, is usually an indication for an operation. The majority of procedures are performed using Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT).

Surgery:

TVT consists of a synthetic tape, placed as a sling underneath the urethra. The two “arms” of the sling reach to just below the pubic hairline, a few centimetres on each side. The tape is placed loosely and reinforces the critical part of the pelvic muscles. Three one-centimetre incisions are made, two of which are just below the pubic hairline, and the other inside the vagina.

Post-Operative Recovery:

The operation has a 70-80% success rate. The procedure is usually performed as a day case, allowing patients who been operated on in the morning to leave on the same day.
Patients should avoid activities involving straining for a period of two weeks following the operation.
Occasionally, patients may find it difficult to pass urine after this procedure, and it may be necessary to drain the bladder manually for a period of 4-6 weeks. If the problem persists, the tape can be divided to allow normal urination, but the improvement in continence may still remain.