A midurethral sling is a procedure specifically designed to help women with stress incontinence, a condition characterized by loss of control of bladder function that usually happens under physical pressure (coughing, sneezing, or jumping). Research and studies have shown that up to one-third of women experience this condition at some point in their lives. Some women experience mild inconvenience, while others face persistent and severe disruption of their normal routine.
Dr. Shirin Razdan places midurethral slings as a minimally invasive surgical technique involving the use of needles to place a narrow ribbon of mesh under the urethra. The entire procedure takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to perform as an outpatient.
Causes of Stress Incontinence
The bladder and muscles responsible for regulating urine flow are supported by muscles and tissues. Weakening of these muscles and tissues leads to stress incontinence. This condition is known to affect 33% of the female population during the postpartum stage, when the symptoms develop. Although men are also prone to stress incontinence, it is more common in women.
Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence characterized by unintentional loss of urine that is experienced during a physical movement or activity (sneezing, coughing, heavy lifting, or exercising) that adds pressure on the bladder, resulting in uncontrollable urine flow.
The most common causes of stress incontinence that can be stopped by a sling include the following:
- Mothers of multiple children
- Women who give birth vaginally are at greater risk of stress incontinence than those who deliver babies through surgical means.
- Women actively involved in athletic activities requiring long distance running or extended periods of small, sharp impacts (heavy weight lifting, running on hard surfaces, or jumping repeatedly on a hard surface.
- Aging, menopause or estrogen deficiencies in women lead to thinning of the urethra and weakening of the pelvic floor.
Injury resulted from radiation for cancer treatment.
FAQs
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Would I be given an anesthesia before the surgery?
The patient is usually given a strong sedative or adminstered general anesthesia that makes the patient go into deep sleep. Sometimes local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area from the waist down; at this stage, the patient remains awake. Spinal anesthetics or epidurals may also be considered.
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When will I get discharged after the surgery?
Most patients are allowed to go home after a mid-urethral sling surgery; however, the discharge time may vary depending on the doctor’s observations concerning whether the patient is able to empty the bladder properly and whether the associated pain has subsided. The catheter, an instrument attached to the patient for collecting urine, is also removed post-surgery.
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How soon I get back to my normal routine?
In most cases, it can take up to a week after surgery for patients to get back to their normal routine. However, patients must not lift heavy weights, indulge in sexual intercourse, use tampons, or do sporting activities for at least 6 weeks to allow proper healing of the wounds and ensure the sling is firmly held in place.
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My bladder isn’t too bad at the moment. Should I go for a precautionary surgery to prevent it from getting worse in the future?
We only advise patients to consider having the procedure if the stress incontinence affects their quality of life significantly. Surgery should not be performed as a preventative measure.
Schedule a Consultation
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a health condition that needs medical attention and correction under the guidance of a professional to live a happier and stress-free lifestyle. If you wish to know whether you are the right candidate for this treatment, consult Dr. Shirin Razdan now, who will help you understand more about your condition and suggest the best treatment for you.