What is Trans Vaginal Taping?
Trans vaginal taping (TVT) is performed by Dr. Hardy to correct Urinary Incontinence. This is the leaking of urine with coughing, sneezing or exercising.
How do I prepare for a TVT?
You will have this procedure as an inpatient surgery. You will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery. This procedure is done vaginally and the incisions are on both sides of the vaginal opening. If you are taking any medications, you should discuss these with your doctor to see when you should stop them.
What should I expect during the procedure?
You will be given general anesthesia which will put you to sleep. One incision will be made on either side of the vaginal opening or between the urethra and the vagina. These are small and will only require a bandaid or steristrip to close it. The procedure involves inserting a small sling in the lower abdomen, under the urethra. The sling works to “lift” the urethra and prevent urine leakage.
What should I expect after the procedure?
You will be moved to the recovery room while the anesthesia is wearing off. Your pain will be controlled with pain medications and any side effects will be addressed. You will have a catheter in place that will allow your bladder to recover before having to go back to work. The catheter is removed after 24 hours and then each time you empty your bladder, we will either scan your bladder with an ultrasound machine or place a small catheter in your bladder to see how much urine is left behind. This is called a Post Void Residual. If your bladder is not emptying properly, a catheter may be replaced to remain for 3-7 days. You would be discharged home with this catheter if need be. You will spend at least 1 night in the hospital. You will be able to eat regular food. Your pain will be controlled with pain medications.
You should avoid heavy lifting and exercise for 3-4 weeks. Do not have intercourse for at least 1 month. You may return to other activities in 1-2 weeks. If you go home with a catheter, you will need to follow up in the office in a ½ week. You may need to perform self catheterization for up to 3 months after the surgery if the bladder is not emptying properly.
What are the risks of the procedure?
Some of the risks associated with a tubal reversal are:
- Inadvertent injury to surrounding structures including the bowel, bladder, uterus, ovaries.
- Infection or bleeding
- Complications from anesthesia
- Allergic reaction to any medications used during and after the procedure
- It is very rare, but a hematoma (a collection of blood) may occur within the surgery area
- Your bladder may become overactive.
- You may experience urinary retention.
When should I call the office?
Call the office right away if:
- You have burning with urination, frequency, urgency or can not empty your bladder.
- You develop a fever over 100°F (37.8°C).
- You develop headache unrelieved with Tylenol, ibuprofen or narcotic pain medication, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling.
- You have severe abdominal pain or abdominal pain that continues even after you take acetaminophen or aspirin.
- You have pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- You experience nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling or other unexplained symptoms.
