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International Urogynecology Journal

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Open Access 01-03-2021 | Stress Incontinence | Original Article

Quality of life and sexual function after TVT surgery versus Bulkamid injection for primary stress urinary incontinence: 1 year results from a randomized clinical trial

Authors: Anna-Maija Itkonen Freitas, Tomi S. Mikkola, Päivi Rahkola-Soisalo, Sari Tulokas, Maarit Mentula

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 3/2021

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

To assess changes in quality of life (QoL) and sexual function outcomes at 1 year after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) versus polyacrylamide hydrogel injection (PAHG).

Methods

In a randomized trial comparing TVT (n = 111) and PAHG (n = 113) treatments of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), we compared urinary incontinence and health-related QoL using the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form (IIQ-7), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) and RAND-36 Item Health Survey (RAND-36) at baseline and 1 year.

Results

UDI-6 and IIQ-7 showed improved incontinence-related QoL (p = 0.001) from baseline in both groups except for difficulty emptying the bladder and pain/discomfort. At 1 year, TVT patients experienced less urinary symptom-related distress compared to PAHG (p < 0.001). Sexual function improved in both groups (p < 0.001 for TVT and p = 0.01 for PAHG) with higher scores for the physical section subscale (p < 0.001) for TVT. Health-related QoL (RAND-36) improved from baseline in both groups in physical and social functioning (p < 0.001) with better outcome in the TVT group for physical functioning (p < 0.001). Increase in pain from baseline (p = 0.02) was detected for TVT, but not for PAHG. However, there was no difference between the groups (p = 0.78).

Conclusions

In primary SUI, TVT and PAHG treatments both improved QoL and sexual function at 1 year. However, incontinence and health-related QoL scores were better in the TVT group. More pain compared to the baseline was reported after TVT, although there was no difference between groups. Clinical significance needs to be evaluated in long-term follow-up.

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Title: Quality of life and sexual function after TVT surgery versus Bulkamid injection for primary stress urinary incontinence: 1 year results from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Anna-Maija Itkonen Freitas
Tomi S. Mikkola
Päivi Rahkola-Soisalo
Sari Tulokas
Maarit Mentula
Publication date: 01-03-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Stress Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
Tension-Free Vaginal Tape
Urinary Incontinence
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04618-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Quality of life and sexual function after TVT surgery versus Bulkamid injection for primary stress urinary incontinence: 1 year results from a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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