Who can have the TVT operation?
Urinary incontinence may be caused by coughing, sneezing, laughing, sudden movements, lifting, and physical exercise; in other words, any form of exertion. This type of incontinence is called stress incontinence. Urinary leakage which results from a strong urge to pass urine which is difficult to postpone is called urge incontinence. The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is a treatment for stress urinary incontinence, but NOT urge incontinence. Some women who suffer from both stress and urge incontinence may also benefit from the TVT operation. The TVT is appropriate for many types of patient, including those who have had previous surgery for incontinence. The TVT Procedure The TVT (also known as the suburethral sling) was developed about 10 years ago. It has rapidly become the most popular operation to treat stress incontinence.
