The Association of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeons
…dedicated to safe, state-of-the-art surgery and health life-styles for women of all ages
R. Wayne Whitted MD, MPH
Paul A. Pietro MD
8740 N Kendall Dr. Suite 101
Miami, Florida 33176
Phone: 305-596-3744
www.floridaamigos.com
Tension-free Vaginal Tape Sling Procedure
Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) placement is a vaginal procedure used to correct stress
urinary incontinence and a disorder called intrinsic sphincter defect. Through a small vaginal
incision, permanent mesh-like material is placed underneath the urethra and anchored to the
abdominal muscles above the pubic bone.
The mesh-like material remains as a permanent sling under the urethra, preventing
incontinence when straining or coughing.
TVT in white courses under
urethra preventing loss
of urine when bearing down.
In some cases, the bladder may be "tacked" into place using a procedure called an anterior
repair. General anesthesia (going to sleep) or local anesthesia (numbing injection) is required.
If not performed with other procedures, patients may go home the same day or the next
morning.
Benefits include:
• Less invasive, Less pain, Durable results (84 -95% success rate) Small incisions Local/general anesthesia Same
day
• Return to work in 3-5 days
Indication: Stress urinary incontinence
Approach: Small vaginal incision
Anesthesia: Local (awake with numbing injection) or General (go to sleep)
Invasive: Minimally invasive with only 30 minutes OR time
Hospitalization: Same-day
Recovery: Usually 3-5 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TVT?
The Tension-Free Vaginal Tape is a ribbon on mesh material made from a specific plastic (Prolene) whose mid-portion
goes underneath the urethra and ends adheres to the lower abdominal wall & muscles. This ribbon or tape causes the
urethra to close when the patient strains, laughs, coughs otherwise puts pressure on the bladder. As a result episodes of
incontinence are prevented.
Who is a candidate for TVT?
• Women with incontinence due to stress urinary incontinence OR intrinsic sphincter defects AND Women healthy
enough for surgery Women with no local infection
• Women NOT on anticoagulation therapy
How well does TVT work?
In a three year study, 86% of women were completely cured with another 11% significantly improved.
(Ulmsten et al, "A three-year follow up of tension free vaginal tape for surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence", Br J Obstet
Gynecol 1999 April:106(4) pp345-350.)
How long does TVT surgery take?
Typical operating room time is 30-35 minutes, if no other procedures are performed.