Tension-free vaginal tape, Burch, and slings: are there predictors for early postoperative voiding dysfunction?

This study compared the incidence, duration, and predictors of early postoperative voiding dysfunction (VD) after three continence operations. Charts of women undergoing tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), Burch, or suburethral sling were reviewed. Early postoperative VD was defined as urinary retention or postvoid residual (PVR) >200 ml at discharge. Analysis of variance, Chi-square, and non-parametric tests were used. Sixty-three TVT, 42 Burch and 33 slings were identified. Incidence of VD with TVT, sling, and Burch was 50, 24, and 15%, respectively (P <0.001), and the mean number of days of postoperative catheter use was 9, 21, and 5 days, respectively (P=0.04). Patients with VD, compared with those with normal voiding, had smaller preoperative PVR (50 vs. 75 ml, P=0.005), longer catheterization (29 vs. 3 days, P<0.001), and more urinary tract infections (43 vs. 15%, P<0.001). Early postoperative VD is an underreported but frequent postoperative complication which is difficult to predict.