Specialists in urologic diseases usually start treatment for urinary incontinence at the most basic level, but when this is not enough, there are several surgical treatments that are proven effective in resolving persistent bladder control problems. Learn more about the types of bladder leakage surgery.
When it comes to treating urinary incontinence, doctors first determine which type of urinary incontinence a patient is suffering from. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information, urinary incontinence surgery can only help patients with stress incontinence and not those with other types of bladder leakage such as urge incontinence and overactive bladder. Consult with a specialist regarding other treatment options available for your specific condition.
Why Urinary Incontinence May Require Surgery
Like all urologic diseases, the problem with urinary incontinence is that the urinary tract and the organs that are part of it – bladder, urethra, pelvic floor muscles, etc. – are weakened or are not in their normal state. When diagnosed early, these problems can be treated with changes in diet, voiding schedule, medication, etc. along with the introduction of pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) and some bladder leakage products for the management of urine leakages.
However, in several cases, the organ itself needs direct attention. This is where surgery enters the picture. Most types of surgery for bladder leakage are minimally invasive and are proven effective based on years of research and clinical studies conducted by reputable medical associations such as the American Urological Association (AUA), the American Urologic Society (AUGS), and the National Association for Continence (NAFC).
Types of Urinary Incontinence Surgery
The Mayo Clinic lists the following types of bladder leakage surgery particularly for stress incontinence:
Sub-urethral sling procedures
In this type of stress incontinence surgery, a material (a synthetic soft mesh, a tissue from your own body, or tissue from a cadaver) is used to act as a sling or hammock to support your bladder and improve the way it stores and releases urine. This procedure is minimally invasive, proven effective, and has short recovery time.
Bladder Suspension Surgery
Another type of stress incontinence surgery is the bladder suspension surgery or bladder neck surgery which restores a sagging bladder into its normal position. These surgeries are more invasive, proven effective, but have longer recovery time.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter
This surgery is most commonly used for men with prostate problems that lead to their bladder control problems. The operation includes implanting a device to help you keep your bladder shut tight – therefore preventing urine leakage – until you are ready to empty your bladder.
Your doctor will decide on which type of bladder leakage surgery to use based on your organ structure, your body’s capacity to undergo a surgery, and the specialist’s expertise.
You or your loved ones don’t have to suffer through stress incontinence. Talk to your doctor now to know whether or not bladder leakage surgery is the solution for your urinary incontinence