Home
Profile of Dr. Sun
About Laparoscopy
Procedures
Medical Conditions
Links & Resources
Contact Us
Site Map
Doc Sun's Notebook

Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Sling Procedure; TVT and TOT

Introduced in the mid-90's in Sweden, the tension free transvaginal tape (TVT sling) has been hailed as an effective operation for the treatment of stress urine incontinence. 

During surgery to provide tension-free support, the surgeon will provide support to the urethra by placing a "sling" of mesh tape beneath it.

After surgery, the tape will support the urethra during sudden, movement, such as a cough or sneeze.  By allowing the urethra to remain closed, this prevents the involuntary loss of urine.

The TVT sling can be individually adjusted from patient to patient to correct varying amounts of leakage. 

It is considered to be an advancement over more traditional surgical procedures for urinary incontinence for a variety of reasons:

  • It requires only two 1/3 inch incisions
  • It is an outpatient procedure
  • Most patients do not need a catheter for more than 24 hours 
  • It's long term effects have been equal or better than the traditional methods

Since February 2004, Dr. Sun has used a new variation of this procedure, passing the sling away from the front of the bladder and more to the side of the groin, thereby decreasing the risk of bladder injury. This is called the transobturator approach or TOT for short.

So far, the results show the same effectiveness with less pain and fewer complications. The oldest patient who has had this done was 96 years old!  She was ambulating on her own by the next day and no longer needs her Depends.

 

The health-related information on this website is provided as a courtesy to our patients and visitors.  This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice of physicians. A patient or visitor to this website should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his or her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

Site design by Scout Computer Resources, Inc.