Suburethral Sling Placement (TVT-O)

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is by far the most common type of urinary incontinence. It accounts for 60% of all urinary incontinence cases occurring mainly in women. Women who suffer from SUI, experience embarrassing accidents of urinary leakage whenever they laugh, cough, sneeze, jump, or engage in physical activity. This constant seepage creates social awkwardness and a hygienic problem. The fear of becoming wet and smelling like urine limits these women in much of their important daily activities. SUI is usually caused by an excessively movable (hypermobile) bladder neck (urethra) whenever stress such as coughing is exerted. A normally functioning bladder neck should move only slightly under strained conditions.

Surgical correction is the only effective treatment to repair the hypermobility of the urethra and to get rid of SUI. Tension-free Vaginal Tape Placement (TVT) and Transobturator Tape Placement (TOT) are the most effective and successful suburethral sling procedures to eliminate SUI. These procedures involve placing a permanent polypropylene mesh under the bladder neck to support it. The incision sites are very small and heal quickly. The procedure is done in an outpatient surgery center, usually takes about 15 minutes, and can be done either under general or regional anesthesia. Recovery time is short and usually patients can return to work in 1-3 days.

Learn more about urinary incontinence and treatment options.