Preliminary report of Canal Transobturator Tape for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women Over 65 Years

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To access the feasibility of Canal transobturator tape (Canal TOT) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women over 65 year old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2006 to December 2008, we reviewed the medical records of 261 patients underwent Canal TOT in Division of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoul. This study is a retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics (age, gravida, parity, body mass index), previous operation history, comorbidity, surgical procedure and operation outcomes. We performed stress test, one hour pad test, urodynamic study, postvoid residual assessment to all patients for diagnosis of SUI. All patients answered self assessment questionnaires (IIQ-7, UDI-6) at 6 months and 12 months after operation. RESULTS: 55 women over 65 years were underwent Canal TOT. Mean follow up was 11+/-4.5 months. Mean age of patients was 70.2+/-3.9 years, gravida 5.8+/-2.3 times, parity 3.9+/-1.5 times and body mass index (BMI) 25.6+/-3.1Kg/m2. 8 patients had got hysterectomy (14.5%). 16 patients (29%) had sling operation (Canal TOT alone), and 39 patients (71%) had Canal TOT combined with vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. The cure rate was 96.4% in 6 months follow up. Leakage after operation were reported by 2 patients (3.6%) and 3 patients (5.5%) transiently suffered from postoperative voiding difficulty. Of whom had incontinence complexed with overactive bladder symptoms (frequency, nocturia, and urgency) 12 patients complained of persistent symptoms after Canal TOT (12/33, 36.4%). The scores from self assessment questionnaires (IIQ-7, UDI-6) at6months after operation were improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Canal TOT is feasible and safe method for SUI in old age. The procedure also shows favorable results when combined with other operations for pelvic organ prolapse.