Trans Obturator Tape for Female SUI

Abstract

The Trans Obturator Tape (TOT) is a new technique, based on positioning of a tape under the middle urethra through the obturator foramina. The outcomes and complications of the TOT at 1 year follow up were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

50 patients underwent to TOT for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have been prospectively evaluated. In the first 6 patients was used the Uratape, a polypropylene tape covered by silicon in the middle part. Eventually, because of 1 case of extrusion due to the silicon part, it was created and used the Obtape, the same tape without the silicon part. The patient was positioned in lithotomy position and a Foley catheter was inserted. A small (2 cm) incision was performed 1 cm below the external meatus in order to allow the digital dissection of the paraurethral. Through the skin the obturator foramen was identified and a small incision was done in the medial part just above the level of the urethral meatus bilaterally. Eventually a hooked tunneler was inserted through the incision at the level of the obturator foramen and the obturator fascia is perforated anteroposteriorly. The tunneler is than directed medially in the paraurethral space previously prepared and under direct digital control. The tape is inserted into the eye of the tunneler to retract the tape through the obturator foramina. The procedure is repeated on the other side. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 1, 6, 12 months of follow up with a physical examination, validated questionnaire (AUA score) and reported percentage of improvement, and uroflowmetry.

Results

The mean age was 57 (range 36 – 76). 70% of the patients had urodynamic stress incontinence, 30% had stress incontinence associated with urgency. The median follow up was 12 months (range 1–24 months). - The average of the AUA score has been decreased of 13 points (form 16 to 3) and the average percentage of improvement was 81 % up to a maximum follow up of 18 months. - 88% (44/50) patients were dry one year after the surgery and 12% (6/50) were improved.- No significant changes in uroflowmetry parameters.

One case of extrusion have been reported, using the Uratape, no cases of extrusion have been reported using the Obtape. One patient had developed new urgency.

Conclusions

The Trans Obturator Tape is a simple, direct and quick procedure. It is associated with good outcomes and high patient satisfaction up to an average follow up of 12 months. Additionally the Obtape does not seem associate to erosion, extrusion or alteration of the normal voiding.