Laparoscopic colposuspension and tension-free vaginal tape: a systematic review

Background Advances in surgical techniques have led to the availability of a number of minimal-access procedures to treat urodynamic stress incontinence (USI). These procedures have been individually compared with the 'gold standard' open Burch colposuspension; however, it now seems appropriate to compare like with like and compare these minimal-access techniques with each other. Objectives To determine the effectiveness of laparoscopic colposuspension with tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of USI. Search strategy Randomised trials in woman with USI, which compared laparoscopic colposuspension with TVT in the arms of the trial, were identified from the Cochrane Incontinence Review Group's Specialised Register of Controlled Trials. Selection criteria The trials were evaluated for methodological quality and appropriateness for inclusion by the reviewers using the Incontinence Group's assessment criteria. Data collection and analysis The data were extracted independently, and when appropriate, meta-analysis was undertaken to calculate pooled estimates and their confidence intervals (CI). The main outcomes measured were: subjective cure, objective cure, quality of life (QoL) measurements, surgical outcomes and health economic measures. Main results Seven trials compare laparoscopic colposuspension (n = 264) with TVT (n = 290). There was no statistically significant difference in the reported subjective cure rate between laparoscopic colposuspension and TVT within 18 months (relative risk [RR] 1.12, 95% Cl 0.98-1.29). However, within the same time period, the overall objective cure rate was statistically significantly higher for TVT (RR 1.16, 95% Cl 1.07-1.25). There were no significant differences between the two procedures with regards to perioperative complication, de novo detrusor overactivity, voiding dysfunction, procedural costs and QoL scores. However, TVT procedure is quicker to perform and has a shorter hospital stay. Conclusions The evidence so far appears to be in favour of the TVT as the minimal-access technique of choice for USI in comparison with laparosopic colposuspension; however, long-tern data are needed. Further well-designed trials with standardized outcomes are required to draw accurate conclusions from this comparison.