Tension-free vaginal tape procedure and laparoscopic colposuspension in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Purpose of review Within the last decade we have seen substantial development in the surgical techniques used to treat female stress urinary incontinence. The laparoscopic approach became available and even less invasive methods like the tension-free vaginal tape procedure were introduced. Recent findings These procedures offer quicker recovery and faster return to normal activities after surgery compared with the older procedures. The tension-free vaginal tape technique has been extensively studied and clinical data from a significant number of prospective observational cohort studies have been published. The number of reports on laparoscopic incontinence surgery is more limited. Long-term follow-up results with reassuring cure rates at 5 and 7 years are available for the tension-free vaginal tape procedure. Three-year follow-up results for the laparoscopic colposuspension procedure show reasonable cure rates, though not as good as those reported for the open colposuspension, the 'gold standard'. Both of these techniques are now widely used in everyday clinical practice. Perioperative and immediate postoperative complication rates are low and acceptable. However, data are limited in terms of randomized clinical trials comparing these fairly new techniques. Summary This review attempts to highlight the recent clinical experience of these two surgical techniques, including cure rates, complications and cost-effectiveness.