Incontinence slings are a great way to battle incontinence efficiently and effectively. Because incontinence can be just as embarrassing as it can be uncomfortable to live with, incontinence slings are a vital treatment for the sake of a person’s physical health and mental health. When medications and physical therapy options don’t quite seem to cut it, incontinence slings are a surgical option that may be a step in the right direction. No matter what may be the cause of chronic incontinence may be, a sling attached to the body can relieve incontinence as if it were never an issue. If you are suffering from incontinence or may know someone suffering from incontinence, read on to learn more about incontinence slings.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence is the inability to control the release of urine. While sometimes incontinence may be caused by a temporary infection, such as a bladder infection, other times incontinence may occur over a prolonged period of time. Issues with the muscles and nerves surrounding the bladder may also trigger incontinence. Certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis may also cause incontinence. While certain exercises and treatments can be used to treat incontinence, sometimes surgery can be a necessary option in order to regain control of the bladder. Individuals of all ages may be susceptible to incontinence, but generally individuals older in age and weight may be more susceptible. Incontinence can reduce an individual’s quality of life, as it can make a person avoid leaving the house for fear of the sudden and tense urgency to urinate, as well as the sense of humiliation associated with incontinence. That is why it is important to treat symptoms as soon as possible, by whatever means necessary.
Highlights:
- Can be temporary or chronic
- May be caused by certain illnesses
- Risk increases with age and weight
Incontinence Sling
Incontinence sling surgery is an effective and excellent mid-urethral surgery. This sling may be composed of the patient’s muscles and ligaments, or that from an animal like a pig. It may also be composed of a synthetic material like plastic or a disintegrating polymer. During this surgery, the sling is placed around the urethra to lift the urethra into a normal position and increase pressure enough to encourage urinary retention. The sling is then attached to the abdominal wall to hold it in place.
Highlights:
- Made of organic or synthetic materials
- Placed around the urethra
- Encourages urinary retention
Recovery
Because incisions are made, recovery time is necessary in a hospital setting. The urinary tract is given time to heal and a catheter is placed to drain urine from the bladder. After 2 or 3 days of recovery, an individual may be released home. But this will not be the end of it. Most individuals will need an additional 2 to 4 weeks of additional recovery time at home. Individuals should also expect pain at the site of incision as well as cramping of the abdomen. Pain medication may be prescribed by a doctor if necessary.
Highlights:
- 2 to 3 days hospital recovery
- 2 to 4 weeks home recovery
- May cause pain and cramping
Risks
Incontinence sling surgery is not without its share of risk. Some patients may experience the opposite problem going in to surgery - that is difficulty urinating. A sense of urinary urgency may remain after the surgery. Internal bleeding and infection may also be risks as they are common risks of any surgery. Organ injury may also occur during surgery for a number of reasons. To increase your likelihood of a successful surgery, choose a doctor with plenty of experience, who has performed the surgery many times before.
Highlights:
- Risk of internal bleeding
- Risk of urinary urgency
- Risk of organ injury
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence is an unpleasant and slef-esteem killing disease, but it can be treated. With incontinence slings, patients may be able to find the best solution for their bladder issues. While there are some risks, the benefits may be seen to far outweigh the risks. If you or a loved one are suffering from urinary incontinence, talk to your doctor about incontinence surgery and explore other options.