New surgical technique for treatment of stress urinary incontinence TVT-ABBREVO from development to clinical experience.

Tension-free suburethral tapes have revolutionized the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). These tapes are inserted by way of a retropubic or transobturator route. The inside-out tension-free vaginal tape transobturator approach, or TVT-Obturator system (TVT-O, Ethicon Women's Health and Urology, Somerville, NJ), was developed ten years ago with the aim of minimizing the risk of urinary tract injuries associated with retropubic and outside-in transobturator tapes while reproducibly ensuring minimal tissue dissection. Cadaveric studies have shown that the anatomical trajectory of the TVT-O tape is strictly perineal and courses away from neighboring obturator and pudendal neurovascular structures. Several meta-analyses have shown similar SUI cure rates after retropubic and transobturator tape procedures. Yet, the transobturator route may be associated with less voiding dysfunction, blood loss, bladder perforation, and shorter operating time. The original TVT-O procedure was modified with the aim of reducing the incidence of postoperative groin pain as well as the rather theoretical risk of obturator nerve injury. This modified procedure, named TVT-ABBREVO (Ethicon Women's Health and Urology, Somerville, NJ), utilizes a shortened, 12-cm-long polypropylene tape. In addition, perforation of the obturator membrane with the scissors and guide is avoided in order to reduce the depth of lateral dissection, and consequently, to maximize securing of the tape within the obturator muscular/aponeurotic structures. In a comparative anatomical study, it was indeed observed that the shorter tape traversed less muscular structures (with no or only a minimal amount of tape lying in the adductor muscles) than its original counterpart, while still consistently anchoring in the obturator membrane at a similarly safe distance from the obturator canal. In a single-center randomized clinical trial, after a 3-year minimum follow-up, the modified TVT-O procedure with a shorter tape and reduced dissection was found to be as safe and efficient as the primal procedure for treating female SUI, with less severe and frequent groin pain in the immediate postoperative period.

The original versus a modified inside-out transobturator procedure: 1-year results of a prospective randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study is to compare a modified inside-out transobturator procedure with its original counterpart [inside-out transobturator (TVT-O)] for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A prospective, randomized trial in women suffering from SUI was used. The modified procedure consisted of a shorter tape whilst the scissors or guide no longer perforated the obturator membrane. The primary outcome was the resolution of subjective and objective SUI at 1 year. Secondary outcome measures included adverse events, quality of life measures, and groin pain. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-five patients were randomized. No intraoperative complications were recorded. The SUI cure rate was 91.7% versus 90.7% (original versus modified, respectively; p = 0.824). Incidence and intensity of groin pain was higher in the original TVT-O group on day 0 and 1 (p < 0.05), requiring more analgesics (p = 0.015) but not thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: At 1 year follow-up, the modified inside-out transobturator tape procedure was as efficient and safe as the original technique but associated with less immediate postoperative groin pain.

An anatomic comparison of the original versus a modified inside-out transobturator procedure.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the modification of a shortened tape and reduced dissection of the inside-out transobturator procedure on the tape's relationship to the relevant anatomical structures. METHODS: In ten fresh frozen cadavers, relevant distances between the two different tapes and anatomical structures were recorded. RESULTS: The shorter tape traversed less muscular structures, but consistently traversed the obturator membrane. The median distance from the tape to the obturator canal measured 2.0 versus 1.9 cm, to the anterior obturator nerve 3.0 versus 2.7 cm, and to the posterior obturator nerve 2.2 versus 2.0 cm [modified versus original procedure, respectively (p > 0.05)]. Significantly, less mesh was inserted in the modified procedure on each side of the body (6.1 versus 9.9 cm, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The shorter, inside-out transobturator tape traverses less muscular structures than its original counterpart, while still consistently anchoring in the obturator membrane at a similarly safe distance from the obturator canal.

Urodynamic and morphometric characteristics of the lower urogenital tract of male Beagle littermates from four months to two years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To describe functional and anatomic changes of the lower urogenital tract of healthy male dogs during the sexually immature period and up to 2 years of age by urodynamic and morphometric assessment. ANIMALS: 6 sexually intact male Beagle littermates. PROCEDURES: Dogs underwent electromyography-coupled urodynamic tests, CT-assisted retrograde urethrography, prostatic washes, and blood sampling monthly from 4 through 12 months of age and then at 3-month intervals. Urodynamic and morphometric variables and serum canine prostate-specific esterase concentrations were analyzed by statistical methods. RESULTS: Integrated pressure of the urethra was significantly increased beginning at 8 months of age, compared with earlier time points. Urethral pressure peak amplitudes varied among anatomic regions. During bladder filling, few electromyographic signals were concurrent with urethral pressure peaks; these were most commonly detected in the penile portion of the urethra. Urethral length and prostate gland volume were significantly greater from 7 to 24 months of age than at younger ages. Urethral length was approximately 26 to 27 cm after 9 months, and prostate gland volume was approximately 11 to 12 cm3 after 11 months of age. Serum canine prostate-specific esterase concentrations correlated with prostate gland volume. Urinary bladder threshold volume was significantly increased at 6 months of age, compared with that at 4 months, with a maximum of 197.7 mL at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Urethral resistance was acquired at approximately 8 months of age, when growth of the lower urinary tract was incomplete. Electromyographic and integrated pressure measurement results and the distribution and amplitude of urethral pressure peaks highlighted the potential role of the prostate gland and possibly the bulbocavernosus muscles in control of continence.

Transobturator vaginal tape inside out for treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence: preliminary results in 7 female dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the transobturator vaginal tape inside-out (TVT-O) in incontinent female dogs affected with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) and to determine its urodynamic and morphologic effects. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Incontinent spayed female dogs (n=7). METHODS: TVT-O tape was inserted in 7 incontinent female dogs diagnosed with USMI. Urethral pressure profilometry (UPP) and vaginourethrograms were performed preoperatively, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Clinical efficacy of the technique was evaluated and complications reported. Follow-up information was evaluated by a telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: All dogs were continent immediately after the procedure. Incontinence recurred 2 months after surgery in 1 dog and was treated by phenylpropanolamine administration. At mean follow-up time of 11.3 months, 6 of 7 dogs were continent. An iatrogenic urethral tear occurred intraoperatively in 1 dog. No postoperative complications were encountered. The postoperative UPPs showed significantly increased maximal urethral closure pressure and integrated pressure. Postoperative vaginourethrograms were unremarkable. The surgical procedure did not modify the location of the urinary bladder neck in dogs with a "pelvic urinary bladder" preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: TVT-O was efficient in maintaining short term continence in 6 of 7 dogs affected with USMI.

Transobturator vaginal tape inside out for treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs: cadaveric study and preliminary study in continent female dogs.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe a surgical technique adapted from the "transobturator vaginal tape inside-out" (TVT-O) used in women and to define the trajectory of the tape on canine cadavers, and (2) to determine the urodynamic and morphological effects of the TVT-O in continent bitches. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric and experimental in vivo study. ANIMALS: Fresh female canine cadavers (n=12) and spayed female Beagle dogs (2). METHODS: (1) TVT-O was inserted in 12 cadavers. Dissection was performed and distances between the tape and neighboring structures were recorded. (2) TVT-O was inserted in 2 continent female Beagle dogs. Urethral pressure profilometry and vaginourethrograms were performed preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 2, 4, and 6 months postoperatively. Histopathology was performed 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: (1) TVT-O tape was consistently located in a perineal space before entering the obturator foramina and was located at a safe distance from major neurovascular structures including the femoral vessels and obturator nerve. (2) TVT-O was performed without any surgical or postoperative complications in 2 continent bitches. Histopathologic examination of the tissues surrounding the tape revealed a mild fibroblastic proliferation with a mild to minimal lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: TVT-O is a feasible and accurate procedure that can be performed in continent bitches with a low risk of complications.

192Ir low dose rate brachytherapy for boosting locally advanced prostate cancers after external beam radiotherapy: a phase II trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate on 201 locally advanced prostatic cancers prospectively treated in a phase II trial, the efficacy of a combination of external beam radiotherapy (39.6 Gy) and (192)Ir low dose rate brachytherapy (Bt) (40-45 Gy). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients were included in the intermediate prognosis group with only one of the following adverse factors (PSA > 10 ng/ml, Gleason score > or = 7 or clinical stage > or =T2b) and 137 in the unfavourable group when at least two of these factors were present. RESULTS: The actuarial 4 years biochemical no evidence of disease is 82.8% for the entire population. It is, respectively, 97 and 76% in the intermediate and unfavourable prognosis groups (P < 0.0001). Grade > or =3 late urinary complications occurred in 13 patients (6.5%). Eight patients (4%) presented late grade 2 rectal complications but no grades 3-5 was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Even if an alpha/beta of 1.5-3 Gy theoretically favours the use of a high dose rate mode of irradiation, the early results presented here are as good as those reported for similar groups of patients with high dose rate treatments. Late toxicity is identical but our urinary toxicity is within the less favourable and rectal toxicity within the most favourable results. We can postulate that while inducing very high hyperdosage regions (V150) mainly focused on the peripheral zone, most of the Bt techniques consist of a more ablative treatment. Many of the radiobiological studies on Bt did not in fact take into account the heterogeneity of irradiation inside the CTV. This study highlights the need to explore pulsed dose rate therapies, permanent implant and new available radioisotopes such as (169)Ytterbium that will offer the safety of low and lower dose rates. The actual late toxicity of the different Bt techniques is not yet inexistent indeed.

New surgical technique for treatment of stress urinary incontinence TVT-Obturator: new developments and results.

A new surgical technique, the inside-out transobturator tension-free urethral suspension (TVT-Obturator), has been developed for treatment of women suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This simple procedure uses specifically designed surgical instruments to allow the accurate passage of a synthetic tape from underneath the urethra, through the obturator foramens, toward the thigh folds, with the tape being positioned without tension under the junction between mid and distal urethra. Cadaver dissection studies have demonstrated that the anatomical trajectory of the tape in tissues is strictly perineal and consistently coursed away from neighboring neurovascular structures, including the obturator, femoral, and saphenous nerves and vessels, as well as the pudendal nerve. Consequently, as opposed to retropubic sling systems, no perioperative cystoscopy is required because the TVT-O tape does not enter the pelvic region at any time during the procedure. These anatomical data, which suggest the TVT-O technique is safe, have been corroborated by initial clinical experience. Our feasibility and ongoing efficacy studies have shown that TVT-O is associated with a low incidence of perioperative and postoperative complications. In our current series of more than 500 consecutive patients treated with TVT-O, no injury to the bladder or urethra was encountered and no perineal or obturator hematoma, heavy bleeding, or neurological complication was observed. Medium-term results have suggested that TVT-O is as efficient as retropubic tension-free slings for treatment of female SUI, with +/-90% complete cure rates after one-year follow up.

[Benign schwannoma, a rare retroperitoneal tumour]. / Tumeur rétropéritonéale rare: schwannome bénin.

Primary retroperitoneal tumours are rare in adults. Among retroperitoneal tumours derived from nervous tissue, schwannoma is defined as a tumour arising from neurilemma or Schwann nerve sheath cells. It is a very rare tumour, especially in the retroperitoneal site (0.2%). Its diagnosis is immunohistological, and treatment is surgical, consisting of complete resection of the mass due to the risk of malignant degeneration. The authors report the case of a 38-year-old patient admitted with isolated right lumbar pain. Imaging (ultrasound and CT urography) revealed a retroperitoneal tumour measuring 6 x 9 cm. Resection was performed by right thoraco-pleuro-laparatomy. The immunological and histological study concluded on benign schwannoma. With a postoperative follow-up of two years, the patient has not presented any recurrence of this retroperitoneal schwannoma.

[Pelvic lipomatosis associated with glandular cystitis. Report of two cases]. / Lipomatose pelvienne associée à une cystite glandulaire: rapport de deux cas.

The authors report two cases of pelvic lipomatosis associated with glandular cystitis. This is a rare disease with variable and nonspecific clinical features. Complementary investigations useful for the diagnosis of pelvic lipomatosis are CT and especially MRI, intravenous urography and biopsies. The clinical features, radiological findings and therapeutic approach are discussed in the light of a review of the literature.

Intermittent versus continuous total androgen blockade in the treatment of patients with advanced hormone-naive prostate cancer: results of a prospective randomized multicenter trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of total intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) versus total continuous androgen deprivation (CAD) for treating patients with advanced prostate cancer in a phase III randomized trial. A total of 68 evaluable patients with hormone-naive advanced or relapsing prostate cancer were randomized to receive combined androgen blockade according to a continuous (n = 33) or intermittent (n = 35) regimen. Therapeutic monitoring was assessed by use of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurements. Patients in the CAD and IAD groups were equally stratified for age, biopsy Gleason score, and baseline serum PSA levels. The outcome variable was time to androgen-independence of the tumor, which was defined as increasing serum PSA levels despite androgen blockade. Mean follow-up was 30.8 months. The 35 IAD-treated patients completed 91 cycles, and 19 of them (54.3%) completed > or = 3 cycles. Median cycle length and percentage of time off therapy were 9.0 months and 59.5, respectively. The estimated 3-year progression rate was significantly lower in the IAD group (7.0% +/- 4.8%) than in the CAD group (38.9% +/- 11.2%, P = 0.0052). Our data suggest that IAD treatment may maintain the androgen-dependent state of advanced human prostate cancer, as assessed by PSA measurements, at least as long as CAD treatment. Further studies with longer follow-up times and larger patient cohorts are needed to determine the comparative impacts of CAD and IAD on survival.

[Hematuria caused by nutcracker syndrome: peroperative confirmation of its presence]. / Hématurie causée par un "nutcracker syndrome" ou "syndrome du casse-noisettes": confirmation peropératoire de sa réalité.

Nutcracker syndrome should be considered in the case of left ureteric haematuria based on computed tomography with vascular reconstruction of the hilar region of the kidney. The best confirmation is obtained by studying the pressure gradient between the left renal vein and the inferior vena cava during cavography. Various modalities of surgical treatment have been proposed by a few authors, but have been criticised by some authors who question the clinical reality of this syndrome and the efficacy of treatment. The decision to operate may be difficult and other investigations may be useful to confirm the diagnosis. We report the case of a patient in whom the diagnosis of nutcracker syndrome was confirmed intraoperatively by the immediate appearance of massive, reversible haematuria induced by clamping of the renal vein during vein dissection and augmentation plasty. In the light of this original case, we believe that a preoperative percutaneous haematuria provocation test by temporary obstruction of the left renal vein during venography could allow a more formal diagnosis of nutcracker syndrome when this syndrome is highly suspected.

The inside-out transobturator male sling for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: midterm results of a single-center prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Transobturator slings are currently promoted for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after radical prostatectomy (RP), but data on outcome remain limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess, at midterm, the efficacy and safety of the inside-out transobturator male sling for treating post-RP SUI and to determine factors associated with failure. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective one-center trial involving 173 consecutive patients without detrusor overactivity, treated between 2006 and 2011 for SUI following RP. INTERVENTION: Placement of an inside-out transobturator sling. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline and follow-up evaluations included uroflowmetry and continence and quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaires. Cure was defined as no pad use and improvement as a number of pads per day reduced by ≥50% and two or fewer pads. Complications were recorded, and factors associated with treatment failure were evaluated. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Preoperatively, 21%, 35%, and 44% of the patients were using two, three to five, and more than five pads per day, respectively. After a median follow-up of 24 mo (range: 12-60 mo), 49% were cured, 35% improved, and 16% not improved. QoL was enhanced (p<0.001), and 72% of patients were moderately to completely satisfied with the procedure. Maximum flow rates were slightly reduced (p=0.004); postvoid residual volumes were similar (p=0.097). Complications were urinary retention after catheter removal (15%), perineal/scrotal hematoma (9%), pain lasting >6 mo (3%), and sling infection (2%); all were managed conservatively. Severe SUI before sling surgery was not associated with a worse outcome, whereas obesity and a history of pelvic irradiation or bladder neck stenosis were independent risk factors of failure, with risk ratios of 7.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-18.9), 3.3 (95% CI, 1.4-7.8), and 2.6 (95% CI, 1.1-6.5), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The inside-out transobturator male sling is an efficient and safe treatment for post-RP SUI at midterm. Patients with prior pelvic irradiation may not be suitable candidates.

Identification and validation of the methylated TWIST1 and NID2 genes through real-time methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assays for the noninvasive detection of primary bladder cancer in urine samples.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that DNA methylation markers could serve as sensitive and specific cancer biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a panel of methylated genes would have the potential to identify primary bladder cancer (BCa) in voided urine samples. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A pharmacologic unmasking reexpression analysis in BCa cell lines was initially undertaken to unveil candidate methylated genes, which were then evaluated in methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) assays performed on DNA extracted from noncancerous and cancerous bladder tissues. The most frequently methylated genes in cancerous tissues, with 100% specificity, were retained for subsequent MSP analysis in DNA extracted from urine samples to build and validate a panel of potential methylated gene markers. Urine samples were prospectively collected at three urologic centres from patients with histologically proven BCa and processed for use in real-time MSP and cytologic analysis. Patients with nonmalignant urologic disorders were included as controls. MEASUREMENTS: A urine sample was classified as valid when > or = 10 copies of the gene encoding ß-actin were measured in the urine sediment genomic DNA. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the MSP and cytology tests were assessed and compared. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: MSP assays performed on 466 of the 496 (94%) valid urine samples identified two genes, TWIST1 and NID2, that were frequently methylated in urine samples collected from BCa patients, including those with early-stage and low-grade disease. The sensitivity of this two-gene panel (90%) was significantly better than that of cytology (48%), with comparable specificity (93% and 96%, respectively). The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the two-gene panel was 86% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of the methylated TWIST1 and NID2 genes in urine sediments using MSP provides a highly (> or = 90%) sensitive and specific, noninvasive approach for detecting primary BCa. TRIAL REGISTRATION: BlCa-001 study - EudraCt 2006-003303-40.

The TVT-obturator surgical procedure for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a clinical update.

Six years ago, the inside-out transobturator tape TVT-O procedure was developed for the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with the aim of minimizing the risk of urethra and bladder injuries and ensuring minimal tissue dissection. Initial feasibility and efficacy studies suggested that the TVT-O procedure is associated with high SUI cure rates and low morbidity at short term. A recent analysis of medium-term results indicated that the TVT-O procedure is efficient, with maintenance, after a 3-year minimum follow-up, of cure rates comparing favorably with those reported for TVT. No late complications were observed. As of July 2008, more than 35 clinical papers, including ten randomized trials and two national registries, have been published on the outcome of the TVT-O surgery. Results from these studies have confirmed that the TVT-O procedure is safe and as efficient as the TVT procedure, at least in the short/medium term.

The inside-out trans-obturator sling: a novel surgical technique for the treatment of male urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a new sling procedure for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after radical prostatectomy (RP) and prospectively evaluate its short-term safety and efficacy. METHODS: The sling technique uses specific instruments and a polypropylene mesh with two arms that are passed inside to outside through the obturator foramens, pulled for compressing the bulbar urethra upward, and tied to each other across the midline. Patients with detrusor overactivity were excluded. Baseline and follow-up evaluations included uroflowmetry and continence and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. Cure was defined by no pad use and improvement by a number of pads/d 5pads/d, respectively. The procedure was preceded by an endoscopic urethrotomy in four patients. No perioperative complication was noted; three patients required suprapubic catheterization. At 6 mo, nine (45%) patients were cured and eight others (40%) were improved (1pad/d). QoL was significantly enhanced and 80% of patients were moderately to completely satisfied with the procedure. Preoperative and postoperative maximum flow rate and postvoid residual values were not statistically different. No sling infection, urethra erosion, persistent pain, or neurologic complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The inside-out trans-obturator sling procedure appears to be safe and efficient at short term. Further studies are warranted to determine long-term outcome.

TVT-O for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: results of a prospective study after a 3-year minimum follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: Medium-term results of transobturator tapes for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are largely unknown. We analyzed the 3-yr results of a prospective, observational study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TVT-O procedure. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative evaluations included physical examination, uroflowmetry and postvoid residual (PVR) measurement, and urinary symptoms and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. Data were compared by means of the Wilcoxon matched pairs test. RESULTS: Between March 2003 and December 2003, 102 consecutive patients with clinical and urodynamic diagnoses of SUI who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent the TVT-O procedure; the latter was associated with pelvic organ prolapse treatment in 16 patients (15.7%). Three-year minimum follow-up (median, 40 mo) was available for 91 patients (89.2%). No erosion or persistent pain was noted. Four patients required tape release or section. Disappearance and improvement of SUI were observed in 88.4% and 9.3% of the patients, respectively. These cure rates were similar to those obtained 1 yr after the operation (p=0.55). Frequency and urge symptoms were improved at 3 yr (p<0.005). Whereas maximum flow rates were somewhat decreased (p=0.01), the severity of obstructive symptoms and PVR volumes were not statistically different (p=0.11 and p=0.32, respectively). Incontinence severity and QoL scale scores were largely better than preoperative ones (p<0.001) and did not differ from those reported at 1 yr (p=0.15 and p=0.08, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The TVT-O procedure is a safe and efficient treatment of female SUI, with maintenance of high cure rates after a 3-yr minimum follow-up.

Inside out transobturator vaginal tape for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: interim results of a prospective study after a 1-year minimum followup.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the results of a prospective, observational trial designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the TVT-O procedure for female SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative evaluations included physical examination, and urinary symptom and quality of life scale questionnaires. RESULTS: Between March 2003 and December 2004, 253 patients with clinical and urodynamic diagnoses of SUI who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the trial and underwent the TVT-O procedure. No significant intraoperative complications were observed. One-year minimum followup was available on 99 of the initial 102 patients, of whom 16 had undergone concomitant pelvic organ prolapse surgical treatment. The SUI complete cure rate was 91%. No patient had vaginal or urethral erosion. Four patients required tape release or section. Frequency and urge symptoms improved after the operation (p <0.001). The severity of obstructive symptoms slightly increased postoperatively in the group of patients who did not undergo associated pelvic organ prolapse treatment (p <0.05), while maximum flow rates somewhat decreased (p <0.001) and post-void residual urine volumes somewhat increased (p <0.005). Most patients reported a significant decrease in incontinence severity and improvement in quality of life (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study, which suggest that the TVT-O procedure is a safe and efficient surgical treatment for female SUI, warrant further comparative evaluation of this procedure with retropubic and outside in transobturator approaches in appropriately designed, prospective, randomized trials.

Transobturator vaginal tape inside out for the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: anatomical considerations.

PURPOSE: We have recently described a novel surgical technique for female stress urinary incontinence, that is the transobturator vaginal tape inside out, which uses specific instruments for the passage of a synthetic tape from beneath the urethra toward the thigh folds. Herein we report the results of cadaver dissection performed to determine the anatomical trajectory of the tape and its relationships with neighboring neurovascular structures and organs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Insertion of the transobturator vaginal tape inside out tape was performed by different surgeons in 12 freshly frozen female cadavers according to the standard procedure. The thigh, obturator, perineal and pelvic regions were dissected and tape trajectory was recorded. An additional cadaver was dissected without prior tape placement. RESULTS: The tape was inserted according to a certain consistent path, that is penetration from the suburethral space into a strictly perineal region limited medial and cranial by the levator ani muscle, caudal by the perineal membrane and lateral by the obturator internus muscle. This region corresponded to the most anterior recess of the ischiorectal fossa. The tape then perforated the obturator membrane and muscles, and exited through the skin after traversing adductor muscles and subcutaneous tissue. The tape was coursed away from 1) the dorsal nerve to the clitoris located more superficially below the perineal membrane, 2) the obturator nerve and vessels, and 3) the saphenous and femoral vessels. CONCLUSIONS: These findings strongly suggest that our transobturator technique is highly accurate, reproducible and safe, and it does not require perioperative cystoscopy.