Patient goal achievement 2 years after a tension-free vaginal tape operation

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The primary aim of this study was to investigate long-term patient-reported goals after a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) operation for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS: In this prospective study involving 67 women, patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) preoperatively and stated three goals for the operation. Postoperatively, a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from zero (none) to ten (worst) estimated the extent to which goals were achieved. Goals were divided into five groups: symptoms, quality of life (QoL) (physical), QoL (emotional), sexual function, avoidance, and others. Short-term achievement of goal was estimated after 3 months and long-term achievement of goals after a mean of 28.2 months.

RESULTS: A total of 201 goals were stated, most of which (38%) were in the group concerning QoL in physical domains. Mean VAS score for all goals was 9.1 after 3 months and 8.5 at long-term follow-up. ICIQ-UI SF preoperatively was mean 14.9; 3 months' postoperatively mean 1.4; and at long-term 3.8. The small rise in ICIQ-UI SF at long-term follow-up was statistically insignificant and due to urge urinary incontinence (UUI).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that patients achieved their goals to a high degree and maintained them at long-term follow-up. Most goals concerned QoL in physical domains. Although a proportion of women experienced episodes of UUI at the long-term follow-up, VAS score was not significantly changed.