OBJECTIVES: Retropubic hematomas are rare but typical complications during or after the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. We investigated the possibility of treating these hematomas with retziusscopy, as an update of a previous study by our group. STUDY DESIGN: Over a 10-year period the clinical course of all 685 consecutive patients undergoing the tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT, Gynecare) was prospectively recorded, including management strategies for clinically relevant hematomas. We report on 10 patients with hematoma and our following surgical management. RESULTS: In twenty-eight patients (4.1%) a symptomatic retropubic hematoma developed. In 10 cases (1.5%) volume exceeded 250 mL (range 250-1000 mL). These patients required surgical intervention because of moderate or severe symptoms. In the first case we performed open laparotomy, whereas in the following cases the hematomas could be successfully drained by retziusscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of large masses, intervention may be necessary because of significant discomfort. This can usually be achieved by a minimally invasive retziusscopy.
OBJECTIVES:Retropubic hematomas are rare but typical complications during or after the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. We investigated the possibility of treating these hematomas with retziusscopy, as an update of a previous study by our group. STUDY DESIGN: Over a 10-year period the clinical course of all 685 consecutive patients undergoing the tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT, Gynecare) was prospectively recorded, including management strategies for clinically relevant hematomas. We report on 10 patients with hematoma and our following surgical management. RESULTS: In twenty-eight patients (4.1%) a symptomatic retropubic hematoma developed. In 10 cases (1.5%) volume exceeded 250 mL (range 250-1000 mL). These patients required surgical intervention because of moderate or severe symptoms. In the first case we performed open laparotomy, whereas in the following cases the hematomas could be successfully drained by retziusscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of large masses, intervention may be necessary because of significant discomfort. This can usually be achieved by a minimally invasive retziusscopy.