Results of tension-free vaginal tape procedure in patients with or without colporrhaphy

We investigated the clinical results and the ultrasonic morphological characteristics of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) surgery combined with anterior or posterior colporrhaphy in relation to the results after TVT procedure without prolapse repair. Seventy-two women with stress incontinence and other pelvic floor defects underwent the tension-free vaginal tape procedure in conjunction with anterior or posterior colporrhaphy. Another 212 patients with stress incontinence without genital prolapse underwent TVT procedure alone. The study was designed as a prospective investigation. The follow-up was performed 3 months after surgery. The protocol included a standardized questionnaire, gynecological examination, stress test and pad test. The position of the tape was evaluated by introital ultrasound. No differences were found when comparing the groups of patients in terms of complication rates, the rates of improvement or cure of stress incontinence and patient satisfaction. Also, no differences in the characteristics of the tape were identified on ultrasound examination. Additional colporrhaphy does not influence clinical and morphological outcome after TVT and can easily be performed in conjunction with the TVT procedure.