Retrospective case modelling to assess the impact of early intervention for voiding dysfunction after retropubic tape. When is it best to intervene?

Introduction and hypothesis This study is a retrospective modelling of early intervention for voiding difficulties (VD) after retropubic tape insertion. Methods Chart review assessing Trial Without Catheter (TWOC) on day 2 and day 9 and long-term VD. Number needed to treat (NNT) analysis performed for presumed intervention on days 2 and 9. Results Thirty seven (22%) of 171 patients failed TWOC on day 2, 20 (12%) on day 9. Ten (6%) had VD at 6 months. Five elected to have the tape cut. One had recurrence of SUI. NNT was 7.4:1 on day 2 and 4:1 on day 9 to avoid per tapes being cut at 6 months. Early intervention would potentially lead to six and three additional failures, respectively, assuming 80% continence. This represents over 100 per annum in the United Kingdom. Conclusions The majority of VD after retropubic tape insertion will resolve. Early intervention may lead to additional failures.