A simple approach for relieving voiding dysfunction after tension-free vaginal tape: Safety stitch

Voiding dysfunction is one of the most common postoperative complications of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure. The aim of this study was to show the effectiveness of loosening the tape with a simple approach. A total of 84 women underwent a tension-free vaginal tape operation for stress urinary incontinence. While operation was performed, a prolene suture–safety stitch was inserted in the middle of the tape. Then vaginal incision was closed by extracting the prolene stitch outside. Thus prolene suture will be pulled with a clamp when patient complaint of voiding dysfunction at the postoperative period. A total of 18 patients (21.4%) experienced voiding dysfunction at the postoperative 1-month follow-up period. Sixteen patients (%19) were performed transvaginal tape mobilization within 3 days (range 1–5) after the primary procedure. No complications were observed with the mobilization. Two patients(2.3%) performed clean intermittent catheterization for a period of more than 1 day, with an average of 14.4 days (range 3–63). After tape mobilization, 15 women (93.7%) were recovered from voiding dysfunction and were continent. One woman was incontinent after mobilization. The incidence of voiding dysfunction requiring tape mobilization was 19%. Pulling the safety stitch without anesthesia and without reopening the vaginal incision is a simple, safe, and effective way for tape mobilization to relieve voiding dysfunction.