Bladder Incontinence Surgical Sling Procedures

Bladder incontinence is more common in women than in men. If you are a woman with bladder control problems, your doctor can recommend treatment options, including surgical bladder sling procedures. Visit the website kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uiwomen/index.htm.

Bladder Incontinence

• If you lose bladder control after sneezing or laughing, you could have stress incontinence. Stress incontinence can be treated with surgical sling procedures.

Sling Procedures

• During a bladder sling surgical procedure, your doctor will use strips of tissue to create a sling around the neck of your bladder and your urethra. This sling provides the support you need to keep your urethra closed when pressure is placed on your bladder.

Sling Procedure Types

• During a conventional bladder sling procedure, your doctor will fasten the sling in place with sutures. She could also perform an adjustable sling surgery, which allows her to adjust the sling's tension according to your needs. A tension-free sling procedure uses scar tissue rather than sutures to hold the sling in place.

Complications

• Potential complications of sling procedures include wound infection, urinary tract infection and difficulty emptying your bladder.

Considerations

• Non-surgical treatment options for incontinence should be tried before a sling procedure. These options include Kegel exercises and biofeedback therapy to strengthen the pelvic muscles that support your bladder and urethra.