Evaluation and comparison of quality of life and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing transvaginal tape procedure with a new technique for stress incontinence

Evaluation and Comparison of Quality of Life and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transvaginal Tape Procedure with a New Technique for Stress Incontinence Objective: This study aims to evaluate an innovative approach to the Transvaginal Tape (TVT) procedure used in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness, complication rates, and patient satisfaction of the new TVT procedure. Additionally, the study seeks to reduce the impact of SUI on quality of life and improve the safety of surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted at Süleyman Demirel University Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 2017 and November 2024. The study included 146 patients diagnosed with SUI who underwent the TVT procedure. Patients with severe systemic diseases, those treated with the classic TVT method, and those who were unreachable were excluded from the study. Preoperative and postoperative quality of life was assessed using the IIQ-7 questionnaire, while hemogram values and complication rates were analyzed. The technical details and differences of the innovative procedure compared to the classic TVT method were examined in detail. Results: The average age of the patients was 51.18 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.56. The average preoperative IIQ-7 score was 17.96, which significantly decreased to 4.82 postoperatively (p<0.001). Postoperative patient satisfaction was high at 82.2%. The complication rate was 7.5%, with the most common complications being hematoma (4.1%), over-sliding (2.1%), and bladder perforation (1.4%). In procedures where TVT was combined with Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH), the complication rate increased slightly, but the impact on quality of life was not statistically different. Conclusion: The innovative TVT procedure offers a less invasive approach, reduces complication rates, and enhances patient satisfaction. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgical techniques in the treatment of SUI and their contribution to patient comfort. This method represents a significant alternative for SUI treatment and should be supported by larger-scale studies in the future.