Principles of the procedure
This operation is performed to manage stress urinary incontinence in women. A short length of abdominal wall muscle lining (the rectus sheath) or leg muscle lining (the fascia lata) is used as a sling to support the urethra. This prevents excess mobility and reduces urinary leakage with stress (coughing, laughing etc.) The use of native tissue negates the risks associated with use of synthetic meshes (erosion, infection). The operation is done via a small incision on the lower abdominal wall and a 1 cm incision inside the vagina.
Pre-operative preparation
You will be admitted on the same day of the procedure. No specific preparation is needed apart from fasting about 6 hours prior to the surgery. You should take all of your usual medications unless directed otherwise by your urologist or his anaesthetist. Please inform us if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication.
Expected post-operative recovery
Following the surgery, you will wake up with a catheter in your bladder. This is usually removed on the day 1 or 2 after the surgery, depending on your level of comfort. Most patients will be able to go home after this, though expect some minor discomfort from the lower abdominal incision. Light activities may be commenced upon return home, though any heavy straining / lifting is to be avoided for about 4 weeks, to allow the sling to fully heal and settle in its position.
Risks – as per your discussion with your Urologist
Bleeding / bruising
Voiding difficulty – temporary
Extended catheterisation
Sling revision
Failure of procedure
Infection
Scar