Histopathological Effects of Mid-Urethral Tapes: An Animal Study on Female Rats

Abstract

The midurethral tapes available in market to be used for incontinence therapy need further to be studied on animal models using both photomicroscope and electron microscopy facilities. The aim of this study was to assess biomechanical and histopathologic effects of TOT, TVT and IVS and Mersilene tapes implanted in rat tissue. Thirty female Wistar rats, aged 1 0 weeks with an average weight of 220 g were randomly allocated into five groups (A-E) of 6 animals each, Groups A-E were assigned to receive one of the four brands of tapes designed to be used in anti-incontinence surgery and the last group received a sham surgery as control. After 6 and 12 weeks, they were assessed biomechanically and histologically using both photo microscopy and electron microscopy techniques. The rat tissue reacted differently to the types of inidurethral tapes. Overall, regarding tissue compatibility, TOT and IVS are slightly better than TVT. Mersilene as a positive control showed lower compatibility and stability. TOT had base stability higher than other types.