The Effect of Anesthetic Technique on Operative Morbidity and Post Operative Urinary Retention Following Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) Suburethral Sling
Drs. B. Hines, S. Smilen, D. Alexandarian, R. Porges
New York University School of Medicine
New York, New York

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate potential differences in operative morbidity and post operative need for bladder drainage in patients undergoing TVT placement who are treated with various forms of anesthesia.

METHODS: Charts of all patients that have had TVT placement performed were reviewed.  All charts contained complex urodynamic data as well as standard history and physical exam information.  Continuous variables were analyzed with a t test and a regression analysis was performed to control for confounding variables.
RESULTS : Fifty-two charts were reviewed.  Twenty-seven patients received

intravenous sedation, thirteen patients received general anesthesia and twelve patients received regional anesthesia.  Type of anesthesia used was not an independent risk factor for operative morbidity.  However there was a trend in those patients who received general anesthesia to have a higher incidence of postoperative fever as well as prolonged need for bladder catheterization.
CONCLUSIONS:   This preliminary data suggests that the operative morbidity and post operative need for prolonged bladder drainage, associated with TVT slings, are independent of type of anesthesia used.
KEY WORDS : TVT, Anesthesia, Morbidity