What Are the Treatments for Urinary Incontinence Following a Bladder Neck Incision?

If the neck of your bladder doesn't open properly for voiding urine, your doctor will recommend either medication or a surgical procedure called a bladder neck incision. It is important to note that some patients experience urinary incontinence following this kind of surgery, but there are treatments that will restore normal urinary function.

Bladder Neck Incision

• When performing a bladder neck incision, a surgeon makes an incision in the neck of your bladder. The incision causes the bladder neck to open more fully when you urinate. The cause of the neck's narrowing is difficult to say in most cases. It can be attributed to nerve or muscle damage, reports "Reviews in Urology."

Urinary Incontinence

• Following a bladder neck incision, there is a risk you could develop stress incontinence, according to "Reviews in Urology." Stress incontinence occurs when the muscles that support the bladder are weakened or damaged by surgery, childbirth or aging. You could experience stress incontinence when pressure is put on your bladder from sneezing, coughing or lifting a heavy object.

Therapy and Behavior Changes

• Stress incontinence can be treated with Kegel exercises, which help to strengthen your pelvic muscles and prevent bladder leaks. Behavior changes, like drinking less fluids or voiding on a schedule to prevent your bladder from filling, can also help.

Medication

• Medications are available for the treatment of urinary incontinence following a bladder neck incision. Anticholinergic and antimuscarinic drugs help prevent bladder spasms, according to MedlinePlus. Estrogen therapy can help women with stress incontinence.

Surgery

• Surgical treatments for urinary incontinence include retropubic suspension and sling procedures, explains the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. They are designed to better support your bladder and bladder neck.