Results of the surgical correction of urinary stress incontinence according to the type of transobturator tape utilized

Objectives: To analyze the short and long term results of tapes of different materials used to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A secondary objective was to evaluate the ability to adjust the tape after implantation. Materials and methods: Retrospective chart review of 355 patients with SUI operated between March 2003 and October 2011. Eight different types of transobturator tapes were used: Gynecare TVT-O®, Monarc®, SAFYRE®, Contasure KIM®, I-Stop®, DynaMesh®, Aris® Bandellete and Swing-band®. Results and complications were recorded. Results: The mean age at operation was 61 years. Correction of SUI was achieved in 87.88% of cases. The best results were obtained with Contasure KIM® (98.26 % continence). The tape was well tolerated and was elastic enough to be able to be adjusted 48-72 hours after implantation without deformation. Slings with macropores and over lock stiches on the superior and inferior borders presented the lower rates of postoperative urinary retention, pain, perior postoperative bleeding and urinary tract infections. Conclusions: Transobturator tension free tapes require a short operation time and have a low complication rate. The possibility of adjustment in the early postoperative period increases the success rate and reduces complications. Knotless meshes with macropores and over lock stiches appear to be better balanced, are quite resistant to stretching and deformation when readjusted after implantation and present a low infection rate.