The effects of stress incontinence surgery on sexual function and life quality of women

Objective: To evaluate Transobturator tape (TOT) and Burch colposuspension procedure’s effects on sexual functions and life quality. Materials and Methods: A total of 81 patients who underwent TOT (n = 49) or Burch (n = 32) with stress incontinence were included in this prospective study. Preoperatively and at postoperative 6 month follow up pad and stress tests, physical examinations, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) questionnaires were performed. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnare was added postoperatively. Results: According to stress test, success rate was found to be 69% and 45%, in the TOT and Burch groups respectively. Pad test decreased in both groups (p < 0.05). PGI-I scores was higher in the TOT group when compared to Burch group (p = 0.031). ICIQ-SF scores were improved in both TOT (p < 0.0001) and Burch groups (p < 0.012). IUDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores improved only in TOT group. Total FSFI scores did not change in both groups but only in TOT group sexual desire improved. Total FSFI scores did not change in patients that were successful and unsuccessful according to the stress test in both TOT and Burch groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: TOT and Burch procedures have no effect on the sexual functions. However TOT improved life quality of patients.