If you have a bulking injection you’ll be able to leave hospital as soon as you pass urine normally. For most people, this will be the first time they urinate after the injection.
Similarly, most people who have a TVT or TVT-O are able to leave hospital on the same day. Because you’ll be feeling drowsy after the anaesthetic you’ll need a friend or relative to take you home.
After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
Pain relief
If you had TVT or TVT-O you will feel some tenderness and soreness around the sites of the cuts. We’ll give you pain relief medication while you are with us and advice on painkillers when you leave.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
If you have a bulking injection you may experience a burning sensation when you urinate or have blood in your urine for a short time.
Recovery time
After a TVT or TVT-O operation you will probably need to take up to a week off work. You should avoid strenuous exercise and lifting for four to six weeks.
End result
It’s likely that you’ll stop urinating unexpectedly immediately after each of these procedures.
Looking after you
Even once you’ve left hospital, we’re still here for you. If you have TVT or TVT-O your consultant is likely to want to see you after your treatment to see how you're doing. A follow up appointment will be made before you leave the hospital.
As with any medical treatment, complications following treatment can occur. The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
It is important to be aware that a number of complications associated with TVT or TOT procedures have been reported to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and in some cases they have been of a particularly severe nature leading to further medical conditions. The most frequently reported adverse events have included chronic pain, sexual problems, mesh exposure and erosion and occasionally injury to nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel. The MHRA is still gathering information about the use and complications of these tapes and would encourage careful reporting of any adverse events.
If you would like to report an adverse event relating to tension-free vaginal tape please go to https://www.gov.uk/report-problem-medicine-medical-device