Stress incontinence

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

(Page 4)

Anterior vaginal wall repair	Female urinary tract	Male urinary tract	Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence

SLING PROCEDURE

Most doctors who treat incontinence recommend a sling operation as the first choice for the treatment of uncomplicated stress incontinence in women. This procedure is rarely done in men.

A sling is formed by taking a piece of the abdominal tissue (fascia) or synthetic material. The man-made sling pushes on the urethral sphincter, thus preventing leakage of urine during stressful movements.

These procedures require a small cut in the abdomen and vagina. Many different types of the sling procedure have been developed, including a transvaginal tape procedure which uses smaller cuts and can be done as an outpatient surgery.

Eighty to 90% of people who have had sling procedures to correct their stress incontinence are cured. Possible complications include infection, erosion of the sling, non-healing vaginal wall, fistula or abscess formation, urgency, urge incontinence, and urinary retention.

ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER

Artificial urinary sphincter is a surgical device used to treat stress incontinence in men. Artificial urinary sphincters are rarely used in women. Most experts tell their patients to try other treatments first. Possible complications include infection and urethral erosion, which requires removal of the device. The patient may need to modify some activities (such as bicycle riding) to accommodate the device.

Behavioral changes, pelvic floor exercise therapy, and medical management of stress incontinence usually improve symptoms rather than cure the disorder. Surgery may have a 75 - 95% cure rate when patients are carefully selected.

Treatment does not work as well in people with previous surgical failures, other genital or urinary problems, or  systemic conditions that may prevent healing or make surgery more difficult.

Physical complications such as vaginal discharge, vulvar irritation, and pain during intercourse are relatively rare and mild. Unpleasant odors may occur.

The condition may affect or disrupt social activities, careers, and relationships.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of stress incontinence occur and are bothersome.

Review Date: 05/15/2006
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.