TVT may be regularly investigated using ultrasound. In combination with the clinical outcome, it represents an important method of evaluating the tape and assists in the planning of a future therapeutic course of action in cases of postoperative problems.

Objectives: To compare the results and ultrasonographic characteristics of the transobturator vaginal tape (TVT-O) and retropubic (TVT) methods. Methods: 120 patients were treated with TVT-O. These were paired with similar patients treated with TVT. The patients were matched according to age, low-pressure urethra, preexisting mixed incontinence, and additional prolapse repair. The follow-up time was 3 months. Assessment variables included a standardized questionnaire, medical history, voiding diary, urinary stress test, 24-hour pad test, and introital ultrasound. The position of the tape was defined by its location in relation to urethral length (%) and the narrowness by its distance to the hypoechoic center of the urethra (mm). Results: The rates of postoperative complications including bladder perforation, urinary retention, and erosion through the vagina were similar. The number of hematomas occurring after TVT was insignificantly higher than after TVT-O (5 cases vs. 1 case). The rates for cure or improvement of stress incontinence were 77 and 17% after TVT-O and 85 and 14% after TVT (not significant). The sonographic characteristics were identical. Conclusion: In terms of clinical outcome, TVT and TVT-O appear to be equally effective. Complications and sonographic characteristics of the tapes were similar after both procedures.

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