Treatment of stress urinary incontinence with TOT and TVT tapes – treatment of urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence as a common health problem
Urinary incontinence is a health problem that affects many people, especially women of mature age. The most common form of this condition is stress urinary incontinence. It manifests as involuntary urination during various physical activities, such as:
Epidemiological studies indicate that around 30% of postpartum women and as many as 50% of women over 50 struggle with these symptoms. This state of affairs can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life, limiting their daily activities and negatively affecting their self-esteem.
Stress urinary incontinence is often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and hormonal changes associated with the menopause. This is why it is so important for those facing this problem to seek medical help and take appropriate action for diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, there are a number of therapeutic approaches available for incontinence patients that can significantly improve their health and comfort.
Pre-operative diagnosis and consultation
Before proceeding with surgery for stress urinary incontinence, the doctor will carry out a thorough diagnosis. Its aim is to assess the patient’s condition and select the appropriate treatment. The whole process starts with a detailed medical history to better understand the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. As part of the diagnosis, general urine tests are also performed, which are crucial in detecting potential infections or other urinary tract problems.
The next essential step is a urinary ultrasound to assess the anatomical structures and function of the kidneys and bladder. In some cases, doctors may also recommend: urodynamic study, which analyses the dynamics of urination and the pressure inside the bladder, or urethrocytoscopy, a study that gives an accurate assessment of the condition of the urethra and bladder.
The pre-operative consultation is a key part of the preparation for surgery. During this, the doctor discusses the results of all tests, presents the available treatment options and answers the patient’s questions about the planned surgical procedure. It is important that the patient feels comfortable and well-informed before deciding on a possible procedure
Treatment options for stress urinary incontinence
Treatment of stress urinary incontinence can take different forms, which depend on the severity of the condition and the individual’s needs. Among the therapeutic methods, there are three main approaches:
When the problems are more complicated or other methods are unsuccessful, specialists may suggest surgical treatment. Modern techniques include the use of TOT (Transobturator Tape) and TVT (Tension-free Vaginal Tape). Both of these procedures involve placing tape under the urethra to support it and prevent uncontrolled leakage of urine during exercise.
Eliminating risk factors through lifestyle changes is also an important part of treatment. Adapting diet, avoiding obesity and regular physical activity can significantly support the overall health of the body and contribute to improving the health of women struggling with the problem.
Surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence with TOT/TVT tape
Surgical treatment is an important option for women who have not seen improvement after traditional conservative or pharmacological therapies. Modern surgical techniques can significantly improve quality of life. Frequently used approaches are TVT (Tension-free Vaginal Tape) and TOT (Transobturator Tape) methods. Both of these techniques aim to stabilise the urethra by placing the tape appropriately within the pelvic area. Taping is performed from the vaginal side of the TVT through the załonova and the TOT through incisions in the groin TVT is performed through the vagina, while the TOT method – this procedure is performed from the vaginal incision, small incisions are also made during the procedure.
The procedure itself usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes and can be carried out under both local and general anaesthesia. After the operation, women can return to their daily activities after just a few days, although the full effects of the treatment may only be noticeable after a few weeks.
Effects of treatment for stress urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence surgery has a number of important benefits that can significantly improve quality of life. First of all, the effectiveness of these treatments in eliminating symptoms is impressive. Studies show that more than 80% of women notice a marked improvement and the absence of urine leakage after operations such as TVT or TOT tape.
Another major advantage is the rapid return to daily activities. Many patients return to their normal lifestyle as early as one week after surgery, avoiding prolonged post-operative immobilisation and associated inconveniences.
What’s more, these surgeries not only alleviate physical symptoms, but also have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Patients often report an increase in comfort and confidence in social situations and during physical activity.
Complications and risks of surgery
Like any surgery, the TOT or TVT tape implantation procedure carries some risk of complications. Here are some of the most common complications to be aware of: