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Procedure for Incontinence

Incontinence is a medical condition whereby you leak urine. Incontinence varies in severity, such as leaking urine when you sneeze or cough, to having the strong urge to urinate and not being able to reach a restroom in time. Initially your physician will try less invasive techniques to help you control your urinary incontinence. When options fail, such as medications or behavioral techniques, surgical procedures will be a more aggressive approach to treating your condition.

  1. Artificial Sphincter

    • An artificial urinary sphincter is a small device that is implanted in men who have a weakened sphincter due to prostate issues, like prostate cancer. Your urinary sphincter is a muscle that controls how your urine releases from your bladder. The sphincter muscles encase your urethra, and when you need to urinate your sphincter muscle contracts until you're able to release your urine. When you have incontinence, your sphincter muscle is weak and unable to contract as it normally would.

    How It Works

    • An artificial sphincter is a fluid-filled device shaped like a doughnut. According to the Mayo Clinic, this device is placed around your bladder's neck. An artificial sphincter will operate by keeping your real sphincter closed shut until you need to urinate. A valve will be implanted directly underneath your abdominal skin when your artificial urinary sphincter is implanted. When you need to urinate you press the valve, which will then allow the urine to be released from your body.

    Slings

    • There are various types of sling procedures, such as the pubovaginal and transvaginal sling. You'll need to discuss with your physician which procedure is best suited for your condition. Sling procedures use either strips of your own tissue or synthetic materials (such as metallic mesh) to try to create a sling for your bladder and urethra. Slings can help control urine leakage. A pubovaginal sling will use your own body tissue to create a sling for your bladder. A transvaginal sling is a sling that hods your bladder, urethra and sphincter into place to help restore urinary flow.

    Bladder Neck Support

    • A bladder neck support procedure is intended to provide support to the neck of your bladder and urethra. Your physician inserts a prosthetic into your vagina which then elevates the neck of your bladder and urethra. According to the Mayo Clinic, your physician will fit you with the device. The device is then removed and inserted daily by you. It is important to clean the device as instructed by your physician in order to not introduce any bacteria into your vagina, which can result in vaginal infections.

    Possible Complications

    • Surgical procedures may cause complications. These complications include possible injury to your bladder (bladder puncture), infections, bleeding, bowel injury or urinary retention. If you begin to develop a prolonged fever (one that lasts for more than two days) of over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, abdominal swelling and pain, or muscle aches that don't subside with medications such as Tylenol, seek immediate medical attention. This is a possible sign of infection.

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