5 FQAs and Answers About Bladder Suspension Surgery

If you are about to undergo bladder suspension surgery, there are a few common questions that you likely have.

1. Who needs surgery?

Bladder suspension surgery puts the bladder back in its normal position. This particular type of surgery helps those that have stress incontinence. If another issue is causing incontinence, then the surgery will not likely solve the problem. Some groups are more at risk, such as those that developed stress incontinence due to surgery, childbirth, or menopause.

2. When is surgery the best option?

Due to aging, injury, or natural occurrences, some women lose muscle tone along their pelvic floor. This condition can lead to urine leakage when they cough, laugh, or sneeze. When self help and non-invasive methods don't help, then surgery is suggested. Medication, electrical stimulation, and pelvic exercises should all be tried first. If no improvement is made in stress incontinence, then surgery might be a good option.

3. What types of surgery are there?

There are several types of bladder suspension surgery. Retropubic suspension surgery lifts the bladder by the neck and connects it to surrounding tissue with sutures. It can be done with both open surgery and through a smaller incision with a laproscopic device. Another approach is to support the bladder with a sling. Depending on your doctor and your medical situation, one method might be better than another.

4. What are the complications?

While the success rate for bladder suspension surgery is high and the number of complications are low, it is important to know what to look out for. With any surgery, infection is always a risk. Doctors take precautions to keep the surgery sterile and it is important to follow their advice for post-surgery treatment. Other complications could be problems urinating, or a sudden urge to urinate immediately. If a synthetic material is used for a sling, the body may negatively react to the product. Many of these complications fade as you heal, but it is important to let your doctor know immediately if any appear.

5. How long is recovery?

The recovery time depends on the method of bladder suspension surgery performed. Some require a hospital stay and general anesthesia, while others are a day surgery. All types require post-surgery caution and can take up to six weeks to fully heal. Always follow your doctor's instructions and avoid stressful activities after surgery.

Remember to check with your doctor before taking any treatment or medical remedy.

If you would like to learn more about bladder suspension surgery in the Seguin area, visit GRMC.