Intraoperative maximal urethral closing pressure measurement: a new technique of tape tension adjustment in transobturator sling surgery?

PURPOSE: Tape tension adjustment is an essential procedure in mid-urethral sling surgery. The goal of this study was to determine if intraoperative maximal urethral closing pressure (MUCP) elevation could be used as a reference value for adequate tape tension adjustment and predict transobturator (TOT) sling surgery outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed using MUCP measurements just before tape insertion and just after tension adjustment during surgery. Clinical data including preoperative urodynamic results were collected. The cure rate was determined by questionnaire. Patients were divided into two groups. The MUCP elevation group included patients with a MUCP elevation of more than 10 cmH(2)O before tape insertion; the others were regarded as the non-elevation group. The cure rate and pre- and postoperative clinical variables were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: A total of 48 patients had TOT surgery. The MUCP elevation group (n = 19) and the non-elevation group (n = 29) were similar with regard to patient characteristics and the preoperative parameters including age, mixed incontinence prevalence, Q-tip angle, peak flow rate, MUCP and the valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP). The mean follow-up period was nine months. The cure rate was significantly higher in the group with MUCP elevation than in the non-elevation group (84% vs. 52%, p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the mean postoperative peak flow rate between the two groups and there was no retention episode.

CONCLUSIONS: MUCP elevation of more than 10 cmH(2)O just after tape insertion was a prognostic factor.