Urinary incontinence, a common problem especially among women, can significantly affect one’s quality of life.Fortunately, there are various treatment options available, and one of them is Transobturator Tape (TOT) surgery.TOT is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat stress urinary incontinence in women.
What is TOT Surgery?
Similar to TVT surgery, TOT aims to support the urethra to prevent urine leakage. However, the way the tape is placed differs. In TOT surgery, the tape is passed through small incisions in the groin folds and positioned under the urethra, creating a hammock-like support. This approach avoids passing the tape behind the pubic bone as in TVT, potentially reducing certain complications.
Benefits of TOT Surgery:
- Minimally invasive: TOT surgery involves smaller incisions and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
- Quick recovery: Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.
- Lower risk of certain complications: Compared to TVT, TOT may have a lower risk of bladder injury and groin pain.
- Effective for recurrent incontinence: TOT can be a suitable option for women who have had previous incontinence surgery.
Possible Complications:
While generally safe, TOT surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries some risks. Potential complications include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Tape erosion or migration
- Urinary retention or voiding difficulties
- Groin pain or numbness
- Injury to surrounding organs
TOT Surgery Procedure:
The duration of the surgery is typically short, usually taking around 30 minutes. The surgery is usually performed under general or local anesthesia.
Recovery After TOT Surgery:
Recovery is generally fast, with most patients going home the same day.There might be some discomfort or mild pain in the first few days, but this is usually manageable and temporary.
Complete recovery may take a few weeks.During this period, patients are advised to avoid strenuous physical activities, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse. Most patients can return to their normal activities after 4-6 weeks.
Is TOT Right for You?
TOT surgery offers an effective solution for many patients experiencing stress urinary incontinence.However, the appropriate treatment method may vary for each individual. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
For Treatment in Istanbul
For the diagnosis and treatment of stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, reflex incontinence, and temporary urinary incontinence, you can contact Prof. Dr. Ateş Karateke in Istanbul.