The tension-free vaginal tape procedure for the treatment of stress incontinence in the female patient

The newest development in the treatment of female stress incontinence is th e tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. This procedure was first descr ibed by Ulmsten et al. in 1996 and involves recreating suburethral support with a polypropylene mesh, without repositioning the bladder or urethra. In their initial study, Ulmsten et al. reported an 84% cure rate at 2-year fo llow-up. The purpose of this report is to discuss the evolution and technic al aspects of the TVT procedure and to outline the pre- and postoperative c are recommended. A brief summary of our initial experience in our first 100 patients is included. UROLOGY 56 (Suppl 6A): 28-31, 2000. (C) 2000, Elsevi er Science Inc.