Efficacy of Transobturator Vaginal Tape in the Treatment of Coital Incontinence: A Prospective Study Using a Condition‐Specific Questionnaire

PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of transobturator vaginal tape (TVT-O) implant on Coital Incontinence (CI), using a specific questionnaire for CI, the "International Female Coital Incontinence- Questionnaire" (IFCI-Q). METHODS: TVT-O was performed on sexually active women diagnosed with urodynamic (UD) stress urinary incontinence (SUI), who also experienced CI with penetration and/or orgasm. At baseline patients underwent to medical history, UD, and VAS scale to assess the impact of CI on quality of life. The success rate for CI was assessed by the IFCI-Q. Follow- up evaluations were performed at 3, 6, and 12- months. RESULTS: Sixty women were enrolled. Mean (±SD) age was 52.8 ± 10.2 years. Patients underwent implantation of TVT-O. At 12-month follow-up, success rate was 91.6%. Comparison of pre- and post-operative IFCI scores revealed a significant improvement of the total IFCI score. At baseline 50/60 (83.3%) women complained of CI at penetration and 10/60 (16.7%) referred both types of CI. According to the IFCI-Q scores, at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up a significant decrease in frequency of CI, an improvement in quality of intercourse, and in the psychological status of patients persisting over time were demonstrated. At 12-month follow-up, five patients complained of persistent mild SUI. VAS score statistically improved at 12 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the TVT-O procedure is an effective and secure treatment not only for SUI but also for CI. This is the first time that CI has been evaluated before and after the surgery using a validated questionnaire specifically designed for CI.