The quality of life of urinary incontinent women before and after TVT procedure or Burch colposuspension
Article published in Urologia Polska 2006/59/1.

authors

Anna Paczkowska, Anna Grętkiewicz-Tomczyk, Zbigniew Friebe: Klinika Ginekologii Katedry Perinatologii i Ginekologii Akademii Medycznej w Poznaniu

keywords

urinary incontinence, TVT, Burch colposuspension, quality of life

summary

Introduction. This study was designed to assess the influence of two most popular surgical procedures used in stress urinary incontinence treatment on the quality of life of patients.

Material and method. The surgery was applied to 34 women, aged 33-65 (22 � TVT procedure and 12 Burch colposuspension). To evaluate their quality of life before and after the operation, modified, comparative questionnaire I-QoL was used. Patients filled it once � six months after surgery.

Results. The answers show the significant improvement of the quality of life after surgery for urinary incontinence. It is comparable for both types of procedures.

The definition of the quality of life is not clear and subjective, so despite of giving the highest notes in our I-QoL questionnaire, most of the patients were not satisfied with the surgery. They thought their urinary organs would again be absolutely healthy, like in youth.

Conclusions. Both procedures are effective in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Modified I-QoL questionnaire is a useful instrument to assess the quality of life after surgery. More, it helps patients to notice the improvement. But before starting the treatment we should ask patients about their explanation of the �quality of life�, their expectations, and inform them, that our treatment is only the repair of the disability, not making the miracles.

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