Introduction and hypothesis: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of the holmium:YAG laser for intravesical mesh excision in female patients with urinary bladder erosion complicated tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure.
Methods: Between June 2, 2008 and December 31, 2009, seven patients who underwent laser excision of an intravesically protruding tape were followed up every 3 months for a total period of 1 year by disease-specific questionnaires, physical examination, cough stress test, urine analysis, urine bacterial culture, ultrasound and uroflowmetry. Filling cystometry was offered preoperatively and at the 3rd month, while cystoscopy was offered preoperatively and at the 1st month. The presenting symptoms were dysuria, urgency, hematuria, and recurrent lower urinary tract infections. Holmium laser was used for ablation and removal of the tape. The postoperative period was uneventful.
Results: There was a substantial improvement in the urgency status, in the maximum flow rate (Q (max)) from 11.29 ml/s to 19.43 ml/s, in the voided volume (VV) from 185 ml to 251.43 ml and in the maximum cystometric capacity (C) from 237.86 ml to 310.64 ml pre- and postoperative, respectively.
Conclusions: Holmium laser ablation represents a simple, safe and efficacious procedure to manage intravesical mesh complications following TVT procedure.