The synthetic sling and autologous fascial slings are among the most common treatments for female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
What is Stress Urinary Incontinence?
SUI occurs when sudden pressure on the urethra and bladder causes the sphincter muscles to briefly open and leak urine. Mild SUI may result in incontinence from activities like laughing, sneezing, or coughing. Severe SUI can cause incontinence from walking, standing up, or bending over, with leakage ranging from a few drops to enough to soak clothing.
SUI is more prevalent in women than men. Patients with SUI may also experience an overactive bladder, leading to mixed incontinence.
Sling Surgery for Women with SUI
Sling surgery is the most common surgical option for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It involves placing a small strip of material (a sling) under the urethra to prevent it from slipping downward during activities, acting as a supportive hammock.
Many sling techniques and materials have been developed to improve treatment effectiveness. Slings can be made from the patient’s tissue, donor tissue, or surgical mesh. The main types of sling surgeries for SUI are the midurethral sling and the autologous fascial sling.
Midurethral Synthetic Sling: The most common surgery for SUI involves placing a narrow strip of synthetic mesh under the urethra. Techniques for placing the sling include retropubic, transobturator, and single-incision. The surgeon makes a small vaginal incision, inserts the sling under the urethra, and attaches it to the pelvic floor tissue. This surgery is typically shorter, with a quicker recovery time.
Autologous Fascial Sling: This surgery uses a strip of the patient’s own tissue from the lower abdomen or thigh. The surgeon stitches the ends of the sling in place through an abdominal incision. The surgery requires additional time to collect the tissue, often needing a specialist. It’s usually performed through an incision in the bikini line or over the thigh, taking up to two hours and requiring more recovery time.
Patients should consult their physician to determine which sling surgery is the best option for them.
The Recovery Process
After surgery, patients typically need to stay in the hospital for two to three days, possibly longer if they experience difficulty urinating or incomplete bladder emptying.
Full recovery takes about six weeks, during which patients may experience pelvic pain or pain while urinating. To aid recovery, patients should:
- Drink 1 to 2 liters of fluid daily
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Refrain from intense exercise
- Opt for showers instead of baths
- Avoid thermal baths and saunas
- Eat plenty of fiber to prevent constipation
- Avoid vaginal penetration
Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they develop a fever, cannot urinate, experience heavy bleeding or pain, or if their wound becomes painful, bleeds, or leaks clear fluid.
Choose UCI Pelvic Health Center
Contact UCI Pelvic Health Center for expert treatment of urinary incontinence with sling surgery. Our experienced team offers personalized care using advanced techniques to improve your quality of life. Trust us to provide compassionate, effective solutions to help you regain control and comfort.