Female Stress Urinary Leak

Tension-free Vaginal Sling

Stress incontinence in women involves frequent involuntary passing of urine during certain activities that put strain or pressure on the bladder, such as coughing or laughing. The Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) procedure is primarily intended to provide sufficient support for a sagging urethra. As a result, during vigorous movements such as coughing, the urethra remains closed and does not cause accidental release of urine.

Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) placement refers to a vaginal procedure that is used to rectify stress urinary incontinence and a disorder known as intrinsic sphincter defect. In this procedure, a permanent mesh-like material is placed underneath the mid part of the urethra through small vaginal incisions and anchored to the lateral part of the thigh.

The mesh-like material acts as a permanent sling underneath the urethra, thus avoiding incontinence when doing strenuous activities or coughing.

General anaesthesia or local anaesthesia is administered during the surgery and the surgery may last for about 30-35 minutes.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of the surgery include:

Less invasive
Minimal pain and discomfort
High success rate
Minute incisions
Quick recovery and shorter hospital stay

TVT surgery generally causes minimal pain and discomfort. You can resume daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks. However, it is recommended that you refrain from driving for at least 2 weeks and from sexual intercourse or other strenuous activities for 6 weeks.

Risks

Some of the common risks of TVT surgery are: