Surgical treatment for urinary incontinence can provide long-term relief

Urinary incontinence causes many symptoms, including the involuntary leakage of urine. Our Grapevine ObGyns always attempt to relieve symptoms with conservative treatment, but sometimes surgical treatment for urinary incontinence is the only solution that will improve a woman’s quality of life.

Certain factors determine the most beneficial surgical treatment for urinary incontinence

When making the decision to pursue surgical treatment for urinary incontinence, you have to consider certain factors.

• If you intend to have children in the future, we may recommend postponing surgery since pregnancy and childbirth can adversely affect the benefits obtained from surgery.
• Your medical history and general health will impact the decision.
• The type of incontinence you have will determine the best surgical treatment for urinary incontinence.

Surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence, SUI

Stress urinary incontinence, or SUI, causes involuntary urine leakage when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise. There are several types of surgery that can help with SUI.

• Injections—This procedure is done in the office with local anesthesia. The physician injects synthetic materials into the tissue surrounding the urethra. These injections can help tighten up the bladder neck’s opening and provide support as well.
• Urethral slings—The surgical treatment for urinary incontinence that is most common is the midurethral sling procedure. This is an outpatient procedure that involves placing a piece of synthetic mesh under the urethra for support and lift. There are some risks for mesh erosion associated with synthetic slings that you should discuss with your physician.
• Colposuspension—This surgical procedure repositions the urethra into the correct position. The physician places stitches on both sides of the urethra to help support it and to keep the bladder neck in the proper position.

Sacral nerve stimulation treats overactive bladder or OAB

There are not many options for surgical treatment for urinary incontinence caused by overactive bladder, also known as OAB or urge incontinence. Sacral nerve stimulation is a procedure that involves placing a small device under the skin, usually of the buttocks. The device is similar to a pacemaker and sends electrical impulses to your sacral nerve to block the signals that your overactive bladder is sending to your brain to make you think you need to urinate.

Our Grapevine ObGyns will help determine a quality-of-life treatment

If surgical treatment for urinary incontinence is appropriate for you, our Grapevine ObGyns will help you navigate the surgical process. Contact us for an appointment.