Outcome and sexual function after transobturator tape procedure versus tension-free vaginal tape SECUR: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare efficacy, safety, and sexual function between inside-out transobturator tape (TVT-O) and tension-free vaginal tape SECUR (TVT-S) procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment.

METHODS: Ninety-four women without concomitant pelvic organ prolapse repairs were randomly allocated to undergo TVT-O or TVT-S procedure. Demographic data, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Patients completed the Chinese version of the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire Short Form (PISQ-12) before surgical operation and on follow-up after surgical operation.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in cure rates between the two groups at 12 and 24 months of follow-up. Hematomas occurred in two patients in the TVT-O group. Urinary retention and de novo urinary urgency were similar in both groups. Operative time was significantly shorter for patients in the TVT-S group (P < 0.05), and postoperative groin/thigh pain was higher (P < 0.05) in the TVT-O group. In both groups, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form scores improved significantly after surgical operation (P < 0.001). Compared with a mean (SD) score of 33.9 (4.5) postoperatively (12 mo), the total PISQ-12 score before surgical operation was 30.9 (6.5), representing a significant difference (P = 0.021) in the TVT-S group. There was no significant difference in PISQ-12 scores before and after the TVT-O procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: The two techniques seem to be equally effective for SUI treatment. However, TVT-O results in a higher rate of groin/thigh pain and longer operative time. TVT-S can improve quality of life and sexual function in women with SUI.