Quality of life outcomes after transobturator tape full removal surgeries: A monocentric experience

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to describe a standardised technique of full TOT removal with groin dissection and to report clinical improvement, satisfaction, safety and long‐term functional, quality of life (QoL) and sexual QoL outcomes.Materials and methodsA retrospective review enrolling all women who had full TOT removal, in a tertiary referral centre from May 2017 to November 2020. Functional outcomes, satisfaction and QoL were assessed using a bespoke composite questionnaire (UDI‐6, EQ‐5D‐5L and ICIQ‐S) with additional questions on sexual QoL. Secondary outcomes were post‐operative recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and complication rate according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification.ResultsFull TOT removal using a vaginal approach and bilateral groin/para‐labial incisions was performed in 67 patients. Chronic pelvic pain was the main indication for mesh removal (51% of cases, n = 34). QoL questionnaires were answered by 43 patients. The satisfaction rate was high 86% (n = 37), and 81% (n = 35) of the patients considered the surgery successful. Seventy per cent (n = 30) of patients returned to having a sexual life after surgery. Recurrent SUI was reported in 32% (n = 14) of cases. The complication rate was 10% (7/67), all of them Clavien–Dindo ≤2.ConclusionDespite a high rate of postoperative bothersome SUI, full TOT removal with bilateral groin dissection improves pain and QoL. It is associated with a high overall satisfaction rate and an acceptable rate of complications.