Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tension-free vaginal tapes (TVT) compared with Burch colposuspension for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods We searched MEDLINE (1966 to October 2007), EMBASE (1988 to October 2007), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1993 to October 2007), CMCC (1979 to October 2007) and CNKI (January 1979 to October 2007). We collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TVT with Burch colposuspension in the treatment of SUI. Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2 was used for data analyses. Results Ten RCTs reporting data on effectiveness and safety of TVE versus Burch colposuspension were included. Meta-analyses showed that TVT was superior to Burch colposuspension as measured by the overall cure rate (OR 1.73; 95%CI 1.26 to 2.38; P=0.0007), negative stress test (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.71 to 3.78; Plt;0.00001) and negative pad test (OR 1.67; 95%CI 1.16 to 2.41; P=0.006). The total complication rate was higher after TVT (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.80; P=0.01), while the re-operation rate was significantly higher after Burch colposuspension (OR 0.29; 95%CI 0.10 to 0.80; P=0.02). The incidences of haematoma (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.39 to 2.84; P=0.91), urinary tract infection (OR 1.27; 95% CI 0.64 to 2.52; P=0.50) and lower urinary tract symptoms (OR 1.20; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.62; P=0.23) were similar after TVT and Burch colposuspension. Conclusion The evidence for short-term superiority of TVT is currently limited. Although the re-operation rate is lower, the risk of bladder or vaginal injury is higher with TVT. Methodologically sound and adequately powered RCTs with long-term follow-up are needed.