Fixing Stress Urinary Incontinence With Surgery
Stress incontinence is the involuntary leaking of urine due to pressure on the bladder, an overactive bladder, or a mixture of both causes. Stress incontinence can also occur from a chronically enlarged bladder. While women are more likely to suffer from stress incontinence, urinary incontinence can affect nearly anyone and worsen with age. When lifestyle changes and other treatments don’t help, patients can consider laparoscopic surgery.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
A laparoscope is a thin tool with a video camera and light on the end that is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a small incision in the navel. Through high-resolution video images, a surgeon can get a clear view of where to cut the tissue to reduce blood loss and post-operative discomfort. Patients can go home the same day after receiving any of the different laparoscopic surgeries for stress incontinence.
Sling surgery
Sling surgery is one of the most common procedures for urge incontinence caused by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting. Surgeons create a sling out of human tissue or mesh and use the sling like a hammock to support the urethra and neck of the bladder to prevent leaks. Sling surgery is more common in women than in men. The two most common types of sling surgeries are mid-urethral sling surgery and traditional sling surgery, which is more involved.
Colposuspension surgery
The colposuspension procedure also treats urinary incontinence caused by coughing, sneezing, or straining the bladder in any manner. During colposuspension, a surgeon cuts into the abdomen lifts the neck of the bladder and stitches the bladder into position. Colposuspension can be performed with one large open cut or multiple smaller cuts and the use of a laparoscope.
What’s the best surgery for you?
The best type of stress incontinence surgery for a person depends on the severity of the conditions along with other factors such as age, lifestyle, health, medical history, and plans to have children in the future. Patients should consult with a doctor to create a plan of nonsurgical options and surgical options to improve stress incontinence symptoms.
