TVT and Sparc suburethral slings: a case–control series

Two midurethral slings, TVT and Sparc, are the subject of this case–control series aimed at assessing sling placement, voiding function, bladder symptoms and patient satisfaction. Thirty-seven Sparc and 69 TVT patients were matched for age, body weight, pre-existing urge incontinence, preoperative voiding, concomitant surgery and length of follow-up (mean 0.6, range 0.1–1.5 years). There were no significant differences for subjective cure/improvement, satisfaction or symptoms of incontinence. The clinical stress test was positive in 8/37 Sparc vs 4/69 TVT patients (p=0.019). The TVT had a more negative effect (p=0.001) on postoperative voiding. The Sparc was situated more cranially at rest and further from the symphysis pubis, and was more mobile (p<0.001) on Valsalva. There are significant differences in medium-term outcomes after TVT and Sparc, affecting tape placement, mobility, effect on voiding function and objective stress continence. Patient satisfaction and subjective cure rates seem similar.