Transobturator tension free vaginal tapes: Are they the way forward in the surgical treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence?

Objectives
The transobturator approach for sub-urethral tension free vaginal tapes had gained wide popularity in surgical treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence over the last few years. This study aims to survey the practice and preferences of urogynaecologists and urologists worldwide as regards the transobturator tapes.

Material and methods
Seven hundred and twenty surgeons worldwide were surveyed via postal/email questionnaire about their views and practice regarding the transobturator tape procedures (TOTs). They were asked about their technique and tape material preference and their reasons for choosing them. They were also asked about every detail of the procedure.

Results
Adjusted response rate was 68%. Of the responding surgeons, 97% were well aware of the TOTs and only 44.3% undertake them. While 34.16% of the surgeons thought that TOTs are the way forward in the treatment of USI, 14.84% surgeons disagreed and the majority (51%) are yet to decide. With regards to technique of TOTs, most surgeons (38%) would prefer to use both techniques, while 34% use “In–Out” technique only and 28% use “Out–In” technique only. The vast majority (72%) use polypropylene mesh tapes due to better tissue incorporation and proven safety records. A few surgeons deviate from the originally described TOTs; 13.6% use a catheter guide to deviate the bladder and urethra during the trochar insertion and 31.41% use routine cystoscopy as part of the procedure.

Conclusion
Whilst one-third of the responding surgeons think that the transobturator approach for tension free vaginal tapes is the way forward for the management of USI, the majority are awaiting studies with longer-term results. The variation from the originally described TOT procedures seems to be inherited from the TVT™ procedure.