What To Expect After Bladder Sling Surgery

What Is Surgical Bladder Suspension

Bladder suspension surgery, also known as bladder neck suspension, is a procedure that is used to treat stress incontinence in women. There are a variety of types of bladder suspension surgeries that use stitches to support the bladder and urethra.

The goal of the procedure is to lift the bladder and urethra by lifting it and securing it to nearby structures such as the pelvic bone. The bladder is less likely to leak after the procedure.

Questions You May Have

• Are vaginal spotting and discharge normal and how long will they last?-Spotting and vaginal discharge are normal and may last for about 6 weeks.
• Can I still experience occasional incontinence?-Yes, you may still have occasional incontinence. The sling is intended to correct stress incontinence . Urge incontinence may or may not improve with the sling. If urge incontinence persists after surgery, medication, pelvic floor physical therapy, or additional procedures may be recommended.

The Ultimate Conservative Treatment

In the study that investigated surgical success rates, the second most effective treatment was pelvic floor exercises. Youve probably heard this advice before, particularly after childbirth: Do your Kegels. Although pelvic floor exercises have been proven to be effective for SUI, many women dont do Kegels correctly or consistently enough to notice a difference. In order to better support the bladder, you must regularly contract the relevant muscles in order to strengthen the pelvic floor. But its difficult to remember to do Kegels or even to know whether youre squeezing the right muscles.

So what are the alternatives? Several conservative treatment options are available for you to consider before surgery, including devices that actually perform Kegels for you.

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What Does The Bladder Do

Your urine bladder , stores your pee after your kidneys filter it. Pee goes from your kidneys down the ureters and into your bladder, where its stored before exiting your body through your urethra.

Your bladder is made of muscular, flexible tissues that can expand bigger or shrink smaller depending on how much pee it contains. The muscles in your bladder contract when they push your pee through your urethra.

What Happens During A Retropubic Sling Procedure

Dr. Taylor uses a surgical camera to assess placement of your sling and moves the sling so it sits under your urethra. He then stitches your vaginal incision and pubic incisions closed.

After your procedure, youre sent to the recovery room for monitoring. Dr. Taylor sends you home when youre able to empty your bladder, which is usually within a few hours after the procedure. However, some women may need to spend a night or two at the hospital if they experience difficulties emptying their bladder after the procedure.

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What Kind Of Doctor Is Best

Start with your primary care doctor. Your doctor may recommend a specialist with certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reproductive Surgery , such as a gynecologist, a urologist or a urogynecologist, also known as a urogyn. A urogynecologist is a medical doctor who has completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology or urology. He or she has received additional training and experience in evaluating and treating conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, as well as the muscles and connective tissue that support them. Common problems treated by a urogynecologist include urinary incontinence or leakage, pelvic organ prolapse and overactive bladder.

What Is Sling Surgery

Recovering from bladder sling surgery takes several weeks. Because of the vaginal incision, doctors usually recommend no tampons or sex for up to 6 weeks. There also are limitations on working out and lifting heavy weights so the sling doesnt get moved out of place. After weeks of recovery, you can resume full activity and ideally should be in total control of your bladder. Success rates vary, but one meta-analysis of surgery reported an 82% success rate.

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What Helps You Pee After Surgery

If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work:Run the water. Turn on the faucet in your sink. … Rinse your perineum. … Hold your hands in warm or cold water. … Go for a walk. … Sniff peppermint oil. … Bend forward. … Try the Valsalva maneuver. … Try the subrapubic tap.More items…

What Are The Possible Complications Of Bladder Surgery

There can be complications of bladder surgery. You are at higher risk if you are over the age of 60 or designated female at birth. Possible problems include:

• Gastrointestinal problems: Abdominal surgeries can interfere with your bowel functions. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to handle GI issues.
• Reproductive health in men: Bladder cancer can spread to your prostate. During bladder surgery, your prostate may also be removed, which may impact your fertility.
• Reproductive health in women: If your uterus is removed as part of bladder cancer surgery, you won’t be able to get pregnant.
• Urinary diversion: If you have a procedure that reroutes your urine , you may have complications. Pee could leak from the opening made in your body, and there could be an infection.
• Hormonal changes: If your bladder cancer has spread to your ovaries, they may need to be removed. Menopause will begin.
• Inability to urinate: Some people, especially women who have had more than their bladder removed, are unable to pee right away. This usually lasts no longer than a week. Youll be given a catheter and a leg bag . Your healthcare provider will teach you how to operate the equipment.

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Going Home With A Urinary Catheter

Your provider may send you home with a urinary catheter if you cannot urinate on your own yet. The catheter is a tube that drains urine from your bladder into a bag. You will be taught how to use and care for your catheter before you go home.

You may also need to do self-catheterization.

• You will be told how often to empty your bladder with the catheter. Every 3 to 4 hours will keep your bladder from getting too full.
• Drink less water and other fluids after dinner to keep from having to empty your bladder as much during the night.

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Can I Sleep Sideways After Surgery

This is the most common sleeping position in which to sleep sideways. It is an effective treatment for those who sleep sideways after laparoscopic surgery. Your sleep will become more consistent as a result. Place a pillow between your legs to keep your pelvic area from rolling.

Depending on the type of surgery you need, the best sleeping position you can have is determined by your surgeon. Sleeping on the back is the most beneficial option for recovering from spine, hip, leg, and arm surgeries. When youre unsure, a position like this keeps your body neutral, allowing you to sleep on your back if necessary. Side sleeping may not always be recommended by a doctor. If your doctor determines that it is safe for you to sleep on your back, you may do so as long as you have a support mechanism between your knees or ankles. If youre concerned about sleeping after surgery, consult your doctor at Specialty Surgical Center.

You may feel self conscious at first, but you should celebrate these new features of your body. Make certain that they are well cared for by following our instructions in the letter.

What To Expect After Bladder Sling Surgery

Urinary incontinence is one of the most common issues for women to experience. In fact, around 46 percent of women suffer from stress-induced incontinence involuntary bladder leaks triggered by things like coughing, laughing and exercise yet shame and embarrassment often keep discussion of this topic silent.Here at Proof, we understand the difficulties that come with bladder leakage, and believe that incontinence is nothing to be ashamed about. Our bodies are complex, and deserve to be taken care of no matter how personal the issue. For many women, non-surgical interventions like physical therapy and even pessary rings can be a great solutionespecially when the issue is addressed early on. However, when left untreated, SUI can worsen and become unmanageable. In severe cases, surgery may be a viable option. Lets take a look at the most common surgical intervention, and what to expect after bladder sling surgery.

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What Happens Before Bladder Surgery

Your healthcare provider may recommend you stop taking any medications that risk bleeding during your bladder surgery. You should stop the following medications about a week before:

NSAIDs, including:

• Acetylsalicylic acid .

Some antibiotics, blood pressure medications and herbal medications or supplements may also be restricted. Youll also be asked to stop smoking and using tobacco products. Besides the negative health consequences that smoking has, tobacco use can lead to higher risks both during and after surgery. Tobacco has been proven to slow down the healing process and decrease the effectiveness of the immune system.

Dont discontinue any medication without your healthcare providers instruction.

Your provider will likely recommend you change your diet the day before your surgery and follow a clear liquid diet starting the morning before your surgery. This includes juices without pulp, soup broth and Jell-O. Its also important to arrange for someone to care for you after surgery as returning to normal activity is not recommended immediately.

Who Performs Incontinence Sling Surgery For Women

The following specialists perform incontinence sling surgery:

• Obstetrician-gynecologists specialize in womens health and pregnancy.

• Urologists specialize in diseases and conditions of the urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.

• Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgeons are urologists or gynecologists who have completed specialized training in womens pelvic floor disorders. Another name for this specialty is urogynecology.

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What Are The Risks And Complications Of The Male Sling Procedure

Complications are rare with the male sling procedure. However, if complications do occur, they can include:

• Inability to urinate This is the most common problem after surgery, and may require catheter reinsertion for another week or two. In very rare cases, a second surgical procedure may be needed to resolve this issue.
• Bleeding and infection This is a rare complication.
• ErosionThis is a rare complication.
• Recurrent leakage of urine

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What Risks Do Bladder Sling Surgery Brings

Bladder slings made from mesh carry a higher risk of side effects:

• These can be painful to insert, causing serious discomforts. Patients may also have trouble passing urine or urinating properly. In extreme cases, a malfunctioning bladder sling can cause internal bleeding or damaging to surrounding organs. If this pain becomes overwhelming, patients may need to undergo several surgeries afterwards to correct this problem.
• In very severe cases, a synthetic bladder sling can cause erosion of nearby organs in the pelvic area. A sling can also puncture nearby organs, causing serious internal damage. The body may also reject the materials used to make the sling, causing inflammation in the organs that come into contact with it. This can cause sexual intercourse to become difficult due to the increased swelling. In either of these cases, surgery will be necessary to reverse the damage the bladder sling has caused.

What Are The Restrictions After Bladder Sling Surgery

There are a few restrictions after bladder sling surgery. For the first week or two, youll need to take it easy and avoid strenuous activity. This means no lifting, straining, or exercising. Youll also need to empty your bladder frequently and avoid constipation. After a few weeks, you can slowly start to increase your activity level. But its important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.

Following surgery, swelling usually goes away in a few days. It may, however, remain elevated for a few weeks. You will be able to carry on with your daily activities as long as you do not suffer from any problems. You should consult with a doctor if your swelling gets severe. Surgery usually allows women to return to work two weeks after the procedure. However, if you are returning to work as a doctor, nurse, or other professional who may be working with heavy objects, it is best to wait until swelling goes down.

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Can Pelvic Floor Exercises Treat Stress Incontinence

Yes, pelvic floor exercises can improve stress incontinence. These exercises strengthen the muscles that support your urinary system. It can be challenging to correctly work and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

A physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders can help you master the proper techniques. This provider may use biofeedback to ensure you work the right muscles. It can take four to six weeks of regular exercise to see symptoms improve.

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What If Complications Appear After Inserting Bladder Sling

The type of complication the patient is experiencing will determine the type of surgery that is necessary to correct the damage. Common complications that result from faulty mesh include erosion or obstruction of the fistula or urethra, damage to the bladder or bowel, or injury to the blood vessels and nerves surrounding the mesh sling. Careful examination will help determine the extent of the damage so necessary surgical procedures can be planned to erase the damage.

If complications occur after a bladder sling has been inserted, reversion surgery may be necessary to remove the device. If the mesh has become damaged or begin to insert itself in another organ it may take several surgeries before all of the mesh can be successfully removed. Your doctor will continue to perform several examinations after your surgery to determine if future treatment is necessary.

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About Retropubic Midurethral Sling/transobturator Midurethral Sling For The Surgical Treatment Of Stress Urinary Incontinence

These operations involve inserting a strip of tape made of a synthetic material to form a sling that supports the urethra . This helps to stop urine from leaking out.

These are performed under a general anaesthetic in the day surgery unit of the hospital, which is currently based in the Addenbrookes Treatment Centre .

Intended benefits

• The aim of this procedure is to cure or improve stress urinary incontinence. This will not improve symptoms of frequency and urgency.
• No operation is guaranteed to cure stress incontinence but these procedures offer a good chance of improving your symptoms. Studies show that 90% of women are cured or have significant improvement after these procedures.

How Do I Prepare For My Incontinence Sling Surgery

You are an important member of your own healthcare team. The steps you take before surgery can improve your comfort and outcome.

You can prepare for an incontinence sling surgery by:

• Answering all questions about your medical history, allergies, and medications. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal treatments, and vitamins. It is a good idea to carry a current list of your medical conditions, medications, and allergies at all times.

• Asking your doctor if shaving your pubic area is necessary before surgery. Nursing staff usually performs this before the procedure.

• Following instructions to clear your bowels before surgery. Your doctor will give you directions if this is necessary.

• Getting preoperative testing as directed. Testing will vary depending on your age, health, and specific procedure. Pre-operative testing may include a chest X-ray, EKG , blood tests, and other tests as needed.

• Losing excess weight before the surgery through a healthy diet and exercise plan

• Not eating or drinking before surgery as directed. Your surgery may be cancelled if you eat or drink too close to the start of surgery because you can choke on stomach contents during anesthesia.

• Stopping smoking as soon as possible. Even quitting for just a few days can be beneficial and help the healing process.

• Taking or stopping medications exactly as directed. This may include not taking aspirin, ibuprofen , and blood thinners.

Questions to ask your doctor

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Bladder And Bowel Perforation

Bladder and bowel perforation after mesh placement can result in serious infections and other problems. Perforation happens when mesh or surgical tools injure or cut through an organ.

Bladder perforation is the most commonly reported of these issues. It happens when surgeons puncture the bladder with a needle while placing mesh. But it can also happen when the edges of mesh cut the bladder. John Chang and Dominic Lee with St. George Hospitals Department of Urology in Australia reported bladder perforation rates of up to 24 percent.