Sling Procedure: Relieving Stress Urinary Incontinence

The sling procedure is one procedure that is used to relieve Stress Urinary Incontinence, which is an involuntary leakage of urine when your bladder is under stress such as when you cough or sneeze. Minimally invasive mid-urethral slings are a prevalent surgical treatment for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence. This procedure often follows unsuccessful conservative management strategies such as lifestyle changes, physical therapies, scheduled voiding regimens, and behavioral therapies such as Kegels.

How the Sling Procedure Works:

The retropubic-sling procedure, which means behind the pubic bone, has been the most popular sling procedure since the late 1990s. The sling is made of synthetic materials to support the bladder and urethra. The retropubic mesh sling is passed behind the pubic bone into the space above the bladder.

While undergoing the sling procedure, the patient will require anesthesia and a short hospital stay following the surgery. Patients will be taught how to perform self-catheterization (a tiny tube that is placed into the bladder to remove urine) or have a bladder catheter inserted while to bladder heals. Once the patient can urinate without assistance and has low retained urine in the bladder, the catheter can be removed, or the self-catheterizations stopped.

Benefits of the Sling Procedure:

While every patient has a different experience, a majority reports benefits of using the sling procedure, compared to alternative approaches, including:

  • Reduced chance of damage to the bowel or bladder
  • Faster recovery time

If you have any questions regarding the sling procedure or if you think it may be right for you, our team of professionals are here to answer any questions to help you make an informed decision. We at Western Michigan Urological Associates want to work with you to find the best option for you and your family. Ask Your Primary Care Provider for a Referral.