A retrospective clinical study on urinary stress incontinence treated by transobturator tape procedure

Abstract

Introduction: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is one of the most common urological disorders in women, with a significant impact on quality of life. Transobturator tape procedure is considered an effective minimally invasive surgical method for correcting this condition being particularly effective for women with urethral hypermobility or intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Materials and method: This retrospective study was conducted on a group of 58 patients diagnosed with SUI, with or without associated vaginal or uterine prolapse, who underwent surgical treatment by implantation of a transobturator suburethral sling (TOT) between 1 June 2024 and 31 May 2025, in the 2nd clinic of obstetrics and gynecology, “St Andrew” Emergency Clinical Hospital, Galati, Romania. Demographic characteristics, obstetric history, comorbidities, procedural variables, and postoperative complications were analyzed. In 15 cases, the procedure was combined with total vaginal hysterectomy. Results: Most patients were in perimenopausal or postmenopausal period (91.38%) and all of them had multiple pregnancies. The mean duration of the procedure was 39.48 minutes, while the average postoperative hospitalization was 3.81 days. Postoperative complications were infrequent and consisted in urinary retention (3.45%) and post spinal anesthesia headache (6.90%). Spontaneous resumption of mictional activity occurred promptly, with urinary catheter maintained for an average of 1.31 days. Conclusions: TOT is a safe and effective method for the treatment of SUI, with a low complication rate and rapid recovery. The patient profile highlights the important role of multiparity and menopause in the etiology of the condition. The procedure leads to symptom improvement and enhanced quality of life, representing a first line surgical option in management of SUI.