A prospective study of the quality of life of patients with stress incontinence before and after a transobturator tape (Tot) procedure—preliminary report

Abstract

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant social problem. The latest figures show that it affects as many as 17–60% of the female population, and it is one of the most common chronic diseases. Incontinence substantially decreases the quality of patients’ lives. The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure is the gold standard in surgical treatment due to its high efficacy and low complication rate. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients with stress incontinence before and after the TOT procedure. Method: The study included 57 patients diagnosed with stress incontinence on the basis of ultrasonography and history. The QoL before and after surgery was measured using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7) and the Incontinence Quality of Life (I‐QOL) standardised questionnaires. Results: The IIQ‐7 scores for each question were higher (indicating poorer quality of life) before surgery than after surgery. The results for almost all domains were statistically significant. The I‐ QOL results also showed that, in most cases, the quality of patients’ lives improved after the surgery. Statistically significant changes were observed in all three questionnaire domains of avoidance/limiting behaviour, psychosocial impact, and social embarrassment. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of stress incontinence with TOT results in resolution of bothersome symptoms in the majority of patients, leading to improved comfort in life.