What is TOT surgery?

TOT surgery, a successful treatment method for stress incontinence, is a type of surgery that can be performed under spinal anesthesia or sedation. Urinary incontinence is a problem that occurs involuntarily. This problem, which significantly negatively impacts daily life and causes considerable discomfort in terms of social and hygienic aspects, can be caused by many different factors such as hormone deficiencies, weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, neurological diseases, difficult childbirth, and uterine surgeries. Urinary incontinence resulting from the weakening of connective tissue and muscles in the area is successfully eliminated with TOT surgery.

How is TOT surgery performed?

Trans Obturator Tape (TOT) surgery is a new treatment method. First described in 2001, this method involves inserting a band (made of polypropylene mesh) through a thin incision in the vagina using a special needle to elevate the urethral canal. The surgery is based on the principle of strengthening the weakened tissues and muscles surrounding the bladder. The goal of the surgery is to prevent urinary incontinence, and to achieve this, the connective tissues and muscles are strengthened. During the surgery, a synthetic support strip is passed through the inner side of both legs and around the bladder. In TOT sling surgery, no incision is made in the abdominal area; the surgery is performed through a small 1 cm incision in the vagina, 1 cm below the urethral opening.

TOT surgery takes approximately fifteen to twenty-five minutes. However, the duration may be longer if other combined surgeries are also involved. Since self-dissolving sutures are used in the vagina during TOT surgery, there is no need for suture removal after the operation. TOT surgery, which can be performed under spinal anesthesia or sedation, allows the patient to recover quickly and return to their daily life.

The success rate of TOT surgery for urinary incontinence is quite high, but as with any surgery, infection can occur after TOT surgery. To prevent this, the patient should pay attention to their personal hygiene after TOT surgery and continue to take the medications prescribed by their doctor regularly. The patient should also try to avoid heavy lifting and constipation for a while to prevent problems that may arise after the surgery.