Trans-Obturator Tape, Suburethral Sling Procedure (TOT)
Why Is It Done
A sling procedure is used to treat urinary incontinence (loss of urine). It is used to treat incontinence associated with laughing, coughing or exercising (referred to as stress incontinence). It is not used to treat urge incontinence (overactive bladder) as usually medication is used. A TOT is a synthetic sling that is fitted under a women’s urethra that improves continence by providing a firm platform for the urethra. We use what is called a transobturator approach to place the supportive mesh. Typically sling procedures utilize either a transobdurator or retropubic approach. Each approach works well for stess incontinence.
Most patients are continent following the procedure and can resume normal, non-strenuous activities within a few days.
Benefits
The suburethral sling offers several benefits:
- Patients generally recover quickly, most with immediate improved bladder function
- Typically day-surgery
- Minimally invasive and suitable for a wide variety of patients: – hx of obesity, previous abdominal surgeries, complicated medical history
- Incisions in the groin area are small
- May be combined with other surgeries such as endometrial ablation, tubal ligation, hysterectomy or hysteroscopy
Talk with your provider about any incontinence symptoms you may have, even if you just experience frequency and/or urgency. The specialty of incontinence and female prolapse is expanding rapidly and many options are available to women of all ages.
