Facts About the new Minimally Invasive Surgery
 for Stress Urinary Incontinence

If other non-invasive (surgical) treatments have not been successful for you, you might want to discuss with one of our physicians the new minimally invasive GYNECARE TVT tension-free alternative.

GYNECARE TVT is an innovative, minimally invasive surgical alternative with proven results for the effective treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.  More than 150,000 patients worldwide have been treated with GYNECARE TVT tension-free support.  Clinical studies have demonstrated that 84-91% of patients were dry after treatment and an additional 6-12% of patients reported a significant reduction of symptoms.

The uretha maintains a tight seal to prevent involuntary loss of urine.  For women with stress urinary incontinence, a weakened pelvic muscle floor cannot support the urethra in its correct position.  To correct this, your surgeon will insert a mesh tape through the vagina to support the urethra.

The best way to decide if you are a candidate for this procedure is to consult with your doctor.  The GYNECARE TVT tension-free support should not be used in women who plan future pregnancy.

Surgery using GYNECARE TVT tension-free support may last only about 30 minutes.  It can be performed under general, regional or local anesthesia as determined by your surgeon.  After you have been anesthetized, your surgeon will surgically insert the mesh tape through the vagina.  Then your surgeon will "weave" the tape beneath the urethra and pull the tape up through two tiny incisions in the skin's surface just above the pubic area.  Your surgeon may evaluate whether the tape is providing adequate support by asking you to cough.  Adjustments can be made right then.  At the end of the procedure, your surgeon will "snip" the tape, just under the skin's surface, and close the two incisions with adhesive bandages.

You may be able to go home as early as a few hours after your procedure.  You can expect a two-to three-week recovery period.  During this time there should be little interference with daily activities.  You will be advised to avoid heavy lifting and intercourse for four to six weeks.

All surgical procedures present risks.  These should be discussed with your doctor.  Complications are rare but include injury to blood vessels of the pelvic sidewall and abdominal wall, difficulty urinating, and bladder and bowel injury.