TVT Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence

What is stress urinary incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the sudden, unintentional leakage of urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh; get up from a seated or lying position; or exercise, jump or lift something. SUI affects more than 13 million American women.

Many women are so embarrassed about having SUI that they never discuss it. Research shows that most women suffer 3 to 10 years before talking about their symptoms with a doctor.

What causes SUI?
SUI happens to women of all ages. It occurs when pelvic muscles, ligaments and tissues supporting the bladder and urethra are damaged or weakened – usually by pregnancy and vaginal delivery, obesity, menopause or chronic heavy lifting or straining (pelvic floor prolapse). Some women are born with weaker pelvic tissues. When the pelvic muscles cannot hold the urethra in its correct position, the urethra loses its seal. Urine can then escape with any movement from the diaphragm that puts stress on the bladder, such as a sneeze.

How is SUI diagnosed?
SUI often can be diagnosed based on the symptoms you describe to your doctor and a careful pelvic exam. Your doctor may ask you to cough with a full bladder to observe leakage. Often your doctor will want to obtain special tests (urodynamic study) to evaluate the function of your bladder and urethral function. (See fact sheet "Urodynamic Study.")

What is TVT treatment?
TVT stands for tension-free vaginal tape. A TVT procedure stops urine leakage by supporting the urethra with a tape-like strip of synthetic mesh. Your doctor inserts the tape through the vagina, placing it under the urethra to create a supportive sling. The sling simulates the natural support of muscles and allows the urethra to remain closed when appropriate, preventing involuntary urine loss during sudden movements or exercise. The procedure usually takes approximately 30 minutes – and can be performed under local, regional or general anesthesia. Since the tape used in a TVT procedure will not stretch, the treatment is not recommended for women who may become pregnant.

How long does it take to recover from a TVT procedure?
You may be able to go home in just a few hours after the procedure. The recovery period is short and you should be able to continue most of your daily activities. Your doctor may advise you to avoid heavy lifting and intercourse for 4 weeks.

This material is for educational purposes only and should in no way be taken to be the practice or provision of medical, nursing, or professional healthcare advice or services. The information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice of your physician, nurse, or other health care provider. The information obtained herein is not exhaustive and does not cover all aspects of the specific disease, ailment, physical condition, or their treatments. Should you have any health care related questions, please call or see your physician, nurse or other health care provider promptly.

Source: Ethicon Women's Health & Urology, www.gynecare.com

7/2008