Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when a woman leaks urine when she coughs, laughs or sneezes, or during certain activities such as walking, running or other exercise. SUI is a type of pelvic floor disorder where tissues and muscles that support the urethra, bladder, uterus or rectum are damaged or weakened due to pregnancy, childbirth or aging.
Mild cases may require oral medications, injections, lifestyle changes (drinking less fluid and caffeine, losing weight) and targeted exercises, such as Kegels. If conservative treatment isn’t working for you and urinary incontinence is disrupting your life, a surgical procedure may be the right option for you.
Considerations
The type of surgery you have depends on many factors:
- Age
- Future childbearing plans
- Need for hysterectomy or treatment of other pelvic problems
- Medical history
- Overall health
- Underlying cause of the problem
Before you have surgery, you should weigh all of the risks and benefits of your surgical options. Keep in mind that every woman is different, and our board-certified specialists will evaluate each case individually to ensure the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Sling Surgery
If surgical intervention is necessary, sling surgery is the most common type of procedure used to correct stress urinary incontinence. Mid-urethral sling surgery is the most common type. Synthetic mesh is used to create a narrow strap that is placed under the urethra to act as a hammock that lifts or supports the urethra and the neck of the bladder.
This surgery typically takes 30 minutes or less. Because it is an outpatient procedure, usually you can go home the same day. Discomfort may last for a few days or weeks. Your physician may instruct you to avoid anything that puts stress on the surgical area, such as straining, heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
Our physicians are experienced in the non-surgical management and surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, call us at 770-297-2200.
