Abstract
Objectives: Transobturator tape (TOT) procedures are a widely used and effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but there is limited research on mesh-related complications and revision surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of revision surgeries and mesh-related complications following TOT procedures and identify potential risk factors influencing these outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from patients who underwent TOT procedures at the specialized incontinence center of University Hospital Aachen (UHA), Germany, between January 2010 and May 2023. Patients were divided into three groups: initial surgery without revision, initial surgery with revision, and external referrals requiring revision. Statistical analyses included multivariate logistic regression and predictive cross-validation to identify risk factors for revision and mesh-related complications. Results: Out of 265 TOT procedures performed, the revision rate was 8.7%, and the mesh-related complication rate was 2.6%. Mesh complications, including erosion and wound dehiscence, accounted for 30% of revisions, while 70% of revisions were caused by recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). External referrals showed longer revision intervals compared to UHA patients (53 months vs. 5 months; p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis identified rectoceles as a protective factor against revisions (p = 0.0414), while pre-existing conditions significantly increased revision risk (p = 0.0100). Conclusions: The revision rate following TOT procedures was 8.7%, with mesh-related complications accounting for 2.6%. Pre-existing conditions significantly increased the risk of revision, while rectoceles were associated with improved outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of identifying patient-specific risk factors to enhance the safety and success of TOT procedures.