What is the indication for vesicourethral fixation after Transobturator Tape (TOT) procedure and what are the percentage and causes of urinary incontinence following the TOT procedure?

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Last updated: April 17, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Vesicofixation after a TOT procedure is indicated in cases of de novo bladder outlet obstruction or voiding dysfunction that persists despite conservative management, with a reported incidence of urinary incontinence after TOT ranging from 5-15%. The main causes of post-TOT incontinence include insufficient tension of the tape, tape migration or displacement, intrinsic sphincter deficiency, and tissue integration failure 1. Other contributing factors include detrusor overactivity, mixed incontinence patterns, and anatomical factors such as severe prolapse or previous pelvic surgeries 2.

Indications for Vesicofixation

  • De novo bladder outlet obstruction
  • Voiding dysfunction that persists despite conservative management
  • Urinary retention, incomplete bladder emptying, or significant post-void residual volumes

Causes of Urinary Incontinence after TOT

  • Insufficient tension of the tape during initial placement
  • Tape migration or displacement over time
  • Intrinsic sphincter deficiency that was not adequately addressed by the TOT
  • Tissue integration failure where the mesh doesn't properly incorporate into surrounding tissues
  • Detrusor overactivity (urgency incontinence)
  • Mixed incontinence patterns
  • Anatomical factors such as severe prolapse or previous pelvic surgeries

Percentage of Urinary Incontinence after TOT

  • Approximately 5-15% of patients experience persistent or recurrent stress urinary incontinence following the procedure 1
  • Objective cure rates range from 80-90% at 1-year follow-up, with subjective cure rates ranging from 65-90% at 5-year follow-up 1

Management of Post-TOT Incontinence

  • Pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Medication
  • Surgical revision, including vesicofixation or repeat mid-urethral sling placement 3

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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