TOT (Transobturator Tape) in Turkey

What is TOT (Transobturator Tape)?

Transobturator Tape (TOT) disease is a type of surgical procedure used to treat the problem of urinary incontinence. This method is aimed at correcting stress-type urinary incontinence, which is often seen in women.

How is TOT surgery performed?

Transobturator Tape (TOT) surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). During the surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions in the vaginal area and inner thigh, through which a biocompatible mesh tape is inserted to support the urethra. The tape is positioned beneath the urethra to prevent urine leakage during physical activities. By providing a reliable and effective solution with a shorter recovery time, TOT surgery offers renewed confidence and improved quality of life for those experiencing SUI.

What is Urinary Incontinence for Women?

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent and distressing condition that affects many women worldwide. It refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, often brought on by factors such as weakened pelvic muscles, hormonal changes, childbirth, or aging. This condition can manifest in various forms, including stress incontinence, where urine leaks during physical activities like sneezing or laughing; urge incontinence, characterized by an intense and sudden need to urinate; and mixed incontinence, which combines both stress and urge symptoms.

The impact of urinary incontinence on a woman's quality of life can be significant, leading to social isolation, emotional distress, and a loss of self-confidence. However, with advancements in medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and pelvic floor exercises, many women can find relief and regain control over their bladder function, allowing them to lead fulfilling and active lives once more.

What are the types of Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be categorized into several types based on the specific symptoms and underlying causes. The main types of urinary incontinence are:

Stress Incontinence: This type occurs when physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising put pressure on the bladder, leading to urine leakage. It is often a result of weakened pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and urethra.

Urge Incontinence: Also known as “overactive bladder,” urge incontinence involves a sudden and intense urge to urinate, followed by involuntary leakage. It occurs due to an overactive detrusor muscle, which causes the bladder to contract uncontrollably.

Mixed Incontinence: This type is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Individuals with mixed incontinence experience both urine leakage during physical activities and an overwhelming urge to urinate.

Overflow Incontinence: Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder doesn't empty, leading to constant dribbling of urine. It can be caused by a blockage in the urinary tract, nerve damage, or weak bladder muscles.

Functional Incontinence: Functional incontinence is not directly related to bladder or urinary tract problems but rather occurs due to physical or cognitive impairments that hinder a person's ability to reach the bathroom in time.

Transient Incontinence: This type of incontinence is temporary and is often caused by factors like urinary tract infections, medications, constipation, or changes in mobility.

TOT Cost in Turkey

Erdem Hospital offers high-level service under the most favorable conditions. With an online free consultation, the price is determined after the treatment recommended by our doctors. Our prices are offered in all-inclusive packages. All services mentioned below will be included in the price.

Free consultation
All accommodation in a 5-star hotel
Pre/post-operative testing
Cost for laboratory
Medication and Equipment
All round VIP transfer
7/24 Support
Assistants speak English

Before and During

Medical Evaluation: Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation, including a detailed history of their symptoms, physical examination, and possibly urodynamic testing to assess the severity and type of urinary incontinence.

Pre-Surgery Instructions: The patient will receive specific instructions from their healthcare provider, which may include guidelines on fasting before the surgery and adjusting medication schedules.

Anesthesia Discussion: The anesthesiologist will discuss the type of anesthesia to be used during the procedure, which can be either local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's medical condition and preferences.

During the TOT Surgery:

Incision Placement: The surgeon makes small incisions in the vaginal area and the skin of the inner thigh. These incisions create pathways for the TOT tape insertion.

Tape Placement: Specialized mesh tape, made of biocompatible material, is threaded through the incisions. The surgeon carefully positions the tape underneath the urethra to provide support and prevent urine leakage during physical activities.

Tension Adjustment: The surgeon adjusts the tension of the tape to achieve optimal support without obstructing normal urine flow during voiding.

Incision Closure: Once the tape is properly positioned, the incisions are closed using dissolvable sutures or surgical adhesive.

After & Healing Process

Post-Operative Recovery: After the surgery, the patient is monitored in the recovery room until the effects of anesthesia wear off.

Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and sexual intercourse during the initial healing phase to allow the body to adapt to the presence of the mesh tape.

Follow-Up Appointments: The patient will have scheduled follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to monitor healing progress, address any concerns, and ensure the treatment's effectiveness.

Long-term Outcome: TOT surgery has shown high success rates in treating stress urinary incontinence. Many patients experience a significant improvement in symptoms, allowing them to resume daily activities with enhanced confidence and quality of life.

Women experiencing stress urinary incontinence, caused by weakened pelvic muscles, childbirth, or aging, are potential candidates. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine eligibility.

The surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on individual circumstances.

TOT surgery is commonly performed under local or regional anesthesia to numb the pelvic area and ensure patient comfort.

TOT surgery is considered safe and effective, with low complication rates. However, like any surgery, there are potential risks, which will be discussed during the consultation.

Patients may experience mild discomfort or pain around the incision sites, but this can usually be managed with prescribed pain medication.

Most patients can resume normal daily activities within a few days, with a full recovery typically taking a few weeks.

Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks to allow the body to heal properly.

The incisions made during TOT surgery are small and usually heal well, resulting in minimal scarring.

Patients are generally advised to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery before resuming sexual activity.

TOT surgery has shown high success rates in treating stress urinary incontinence, offering significant improvement in symptoms for many patients.

Patients often notice an improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms shortly after the procedure, with continued improvement over time.

While complications are rare, potential risks include infection, bleeding, and mesh-related issues. Patients should discuss these with their surgeons.