ABSTRACT
The purpose of this prospective study was to describe the effects of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure on subjective and objective outcomes. Eighty-seven women (aged 31-95 years) underwent a TVT procedure and were followed for up to 24 months using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. IIQ-7 scores improved from a mean 51.1 before surgery to 12.7 at 1 month (p<0.001) indicating reduced impact of incontinence on quality of life. UDI-6 scores declined from a mean 61.8 to 21.9 (p<0.001) indicating improvement in urinary symptoms. At 1 month, 91.2% of patients were satisfied. Improvements on all measures were maintained throughout follow-up. Urodynamic evaluation of 57 patients (mean: 15.0 months) showed that 91.2% had a negative stress test. Results indicate significant immediate and sustained improvement in incontinence impact and urinary symptoms, and a high rate of patient satisfaction and objective cure.
