Back TVT procedures are the most commonly performed procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (Hoffman et al., 2012c, 2012h).
- The procedure provides midurethral support and offers a 10-year cure rate of up to 80%. Appropriate patient selection improves success; urodynamic evaluation is necessary before scheduling the procedure. The procedure, performed with the patient in a high lithotomy position, requires 2.5 cm skin incisions in the abdomen above the symphysis pubis as well as a midline vaginal incision. Mesh tape, attached to needles and an introducer, is threaded around the urethra and the tension set. Hemorrhage, bladder perfo-ration, or bowel injury can complicate the procedure. Short-term complications, often seen initially in the PACU, include incomplete bladder emptying, requiring drainage with an indwelling catheter or intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) for several days. Post-void residuals need to be less than 100 mL before the ISC is discontinued. The vaginal incision should be healed before intercourse is resumed. Adequate healing is necessary before the resumption of exercise and strenuous physical activity, with the standard recommendation of waiting for 2 months.