Urogynecologic ultrasound and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure for urinary incontinence

The suitability of certain ultrasound (US) parameters in the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), efficacy of TVT for the treatment of SUI and long-time subjective success-rate were studied. A total of 192 women with SUI underwent TVT-procedure. 46 women were studied both clinically and with perineal US prior to and 2-3 months after TVT. Moreover, 192 patients were interviewed by phone-call one year postoperatively. Aloka SSD-2000 and Hitachi EUB-405 real-time scanning machines were used. Such US parameters as changing of urethrovesical (UV-) junction, posterior urethrovesical (PUV-) angle and funneling of vesical neck were studied. No major per- or postoperative complications were encountered. Both short-and long-term cure rates were 94 %. Urogynecological US appeared to be a useful tool to clarify female SUI. TVT proved to be a safe and effective procedure for the surgical treatment of SUI.