Anatomical path of the tension-free vaginal tape: reassessing current teachings.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to revisit the anatomical path of the tension-free vaginal tape and better describe its relationship to the perineal membrane and other important anatomic landmarks.

STUDY DESIGN: Dissections of the anterior perineal triangle, periurethral, and retropubic spaces were performed in 24 unembalmed female cadavers following placement of the tension-free vaginal tape to identify the sling's relationship to the perineal membrane, periurethral muscles, and the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis.

RESULTS: In 100% of specimens, the device passed cephalad to the perineal membrane. The urethrovaginal sphincter muscle was perforated in 2 of the specimens. The sling passed lateral to the arcus tendineus and perforated the pubococcygeus muscle in 6 (25%) of the cadavers. In the remaining 18 (75%) specimens, the mesh was medial to the arcus tendineus and penetrated the periurethral connective tissue.

CONCLUSION: The assertion that the tension-free vaginal tape perforates the perineal membrane is incorrect.