Surgery for Bladder Control Problems

Incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine, is a common health problem predominately found in women. According to the Agency of Health Care Policy and Research, bladder control problems affect approximately 13 million adults. Stress incontinence is the most frequently diagnosed type of bladder control problem, in which a person is unable to control urine because of a weakened urethra or weakness in the urinary sphincter. Nonsurgical treatments like medicine or behavioral changes can usually treat bladder control problems. However, more severe cases often require surgery. (See Reference #1)

Sling Procedure

• According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, most stress continence problems are caused by the bladder neck dropping toward the vagina. (See Reference #1) The sling procedure is one way to treat this problem. It has a very high success rate and is one of the most popular surgeries used to treat severe stress incontinence. A study conducted by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 88 percent of 57 subjects who underwent sling surgery felt that their quality of lives have been improved considerably from the procedure. (See Reference #2)

  During a sling procedure, the doctor will raise the bladder neck and support it with a piece of material, or sling, usually created from the patient's own tissue. The surgeon will then attach the sling onto the pubic bone or to the abdominal or vaginal wall. Once the surgery is complete, the sling will work to support the urethra and stop leakage. (See Reference #2)

  As with all surgeries, there are some risks associated with the procedure. The most common complications with the sling procedure are prolonged difficulties urinating, urethra injuries, or an infection post-surgery from screw or staple points. (See Reference #2)

Burch Colposuspension

• Burch colposuspension is another surgical procedure that is used to treat bladder control problems. Like the sling procedure, it also has a high success rate, curing or significantly improving 80 to 85 percent of women who suffered from incontinence. During surgery, the doctor will attach permanent stitches from the neck of the bladder to the back of the pubic bone. This will help support the bladder, and in turn, help stop urinary leakage. (See Reference #3)

  While serious complications are rare, some risks are associated with this procedure. According to Royal Women's Hospital, between one and ten women will report having difficulties urinating after the procedure. However, this complication is usually short-term, and less than one in 100 women have reported lasting problems associated with this. Some other complications that may occur from burch colposuspension surgery are urinary infections, irritable bladder or damage to the bladder. (See Reference #3)

  Before going through any surgical procedure, it is important to consult with your doctor to insure this is the best option to cure your bladder problem.