Stress incontinence is one of the many causes of uncontrolled leaking of urine. Urethral suspension is a surgery to correct incontinence in women.
The incontinence is most often caused by weakening of the pelvic muscles that normally keep the bladder in position. The muscles may be weakened by:
Female Bladder and Urethra
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The goal of this surgery is to provide extra support to the urethra, which gives more resistance against leakage. This will stop the uncontrolled leaking of urine.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a urethral suspension, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Talk to your doctor about any factors that may increase your risk.
Your doctor will try to find out why you are leaking urine through some or all of the following:
Leading up to surgery:
You may receive a spinal anesthetic to numb your lower body. General anesthesia may also be used, in which case you will be asleep.
An incision will be made in the lower abdomen. Sutures will be placed near the bladder and urethra. The threads of the sutures will then be secured to the pelvic bone or other structures in the pelvis. This supports the bladder by forming a cradle for it.
After surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery room. You will most likely have a catheter in place to drain your urine.
1-1.5 hours
Anesthesia will block pain during the surgery. After surgery, you may experience some pain or soreness. You will be given pain medicine to relieve discomfort.
2-3 days
At first, your urine may look bloody. This will resolve over time. When you are able to empty your bladder completely, the catheter will be removed. You may be up and walking the same day or the day after surgery.
Avoid lifting and strenuous exercise for six weeks after surgery. This will allow healing to take place. Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
To help ensure a smooth recovery, follow your doctor's instructions.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov
Urology Care Foundation
http://www.urologyhealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Continence Foundation
http://www.canadiancontinence.ca
Canadian Urological Association
http://www.cua.org
References:
Stress incontinence. Mayo Clinic.com website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-incontinence/DS00828. Updated October 2010. Accessed December 8, 2010.
The surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence. The American Urological Association website. Available at: http://www.auanet.org/content/clinical-practice-guidelines/clinical-guidelines/archived-guidelines/fsuimainrpt.pdf . Published 1997. Accessed October 20, 2009.
Surgical management of urinary incontinence. American Urological Association website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=33. Updated 2003. Accessed October 20, 2009.
Surgical mesh. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.augs.org/p/cm/ld/fid=163. Updated October 8, 2009. Accessed October 20, 2009.
Surgical treatment for female stress urinary incontinence. National Association for Continence website. Available at: http://www.nafc.org/bladder-bowel-health/types-of-incontinence/stress-incontinence/surgical-treatment-for-female-stress-urinary-incontinence. Updated July 2009. Accessed October 20, 2009.
Treatment and prevention. The American Urogynecologic Society website. Available at: http://www.mypelvichealth.org/TreatmentPrevention/BladderControlProblems/TreatmentOptions/Surgery/tabid/120/Default.aspx . Accessed October 20, 2009.
Townsend MK, Danforth KN, et al. Physical activity and incident urinary incontinence in middle-aged women. J Urol. 2008;179:1012-1016; discussion 1016-1017.
Wein AJ. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2007.
6/3/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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