Urinary Incontinence Surgery
Urinary incontinence surgery is a procedure aimed at surgically treating involuntary urine leakage (urinary incontinence) conditions, which occur due to the weakening of pelvic floor muscles, especially in women. The most common type, “stress urinary incontinence,” is characterized by uncontrolled leakage of urine when abdominal pressure increases during coughing, laughing, or exercise. The surgery is performed to prevent this uncontrolled leakage by supporting the bladder and urethra. Nowadays, these surgeries are usually performed in a short time with small incisions and closed techniques that provide rapid recovery. ⚕️
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the inability to hold urine involuntarily. In women, pelvic floor muscles may weaken due to reasons such as childbirth, menopause, excessive weight, chronic constipation, or advanced age. There are two most common types:
Stress incontinence (leakage during coughing, sneezing, laughing) and
Urge incontinence (leakage with a sudden urge to urinate).
In some patients, these two types can be seen together. Diagnosis and treatment approach are determined based on the type and severity of the leakage. 💧
How is Urinary Incontinence Surgery Performed?
The type of surgery is planned according to the patient’s type of leakage. The most commonly used surgical method for stress urinary incontinence is TVT (Tension-Free Vaginal Tape) or TOT (Transobturator Tape) surgery. In these methods, a synthetic sling is placed under the urethra through a small incision made inside the vagina. This sling supports the urethra and prevents involuntary leakage of urine. The procedure is usually performed under local or spinal anesthesia, takes about 20-30 minutes, and the patient can be discharged the same day. 💊
Who is Eligible for Surgery?
Urinary incontinence surgery is applied to patients with stress incontinence that cannot be controlled with medication or exercise.
Candidates are generally:
– Women with weakened pelvic muscles after childbirth
– Those experiencing support loss due to decreased estrogen after menopause
– Individuals with long-standing complaints of urinary leakage
– Individuals whose quality of life has decreased and whose social life is affected.
A detailed examination and urodynamic tests are conducted before the surgery for accurate diagnosis. 🧚
Post-Surgery Process
After surgery, patients can usually be discharged the same day or the next day. In the first days, there may be mild vaginal discharge, a feeling of tension, or burning during urination. These effects pass in a short time. The patient can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks, but heavy exercise, sexual intercourse, and straining should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Regular follow-up examinations support the success of the surgery. 🌿
Surgical Methods
The most commonly applied surgical techniques are:
TVT (Tension-Free Vaginal Tape): A support band is placed under the urethra, a classic and reliable method.
TOT (Transobturator Tape): The band is passed through the muscles, providing less pain and faster recovery.
Mini-sling: A shorter and smaller band is used, a minimally invasive method.
These surgeries are performed with closed methods, with small incisions, and do not leave aesthetic scars. ✨
Success Rates and Effectiveness
The success rate of urinary incontinence surgeries is quite high. Especially when applied to suitable patients, a permanent improvement of 85-90% is achieved. Post-surgery, the quality of life significantly increases, and confidence in social and sexual life is regained. 🔹
Alternative and Supportive Treatments
In mild cases, pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises), vaginal laser treatment, or estrogen cream can be used without the need for surgery. These methods provide benefits in the early stage, but surgical treatment is a permanent solution in advanced cases. 🧘♀️
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Closed (via vaginal route) |
| Duration of Surgery | 20-30 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Local, spinal, or general |
| Recovery Time | 1-2 weeks |
| Success Rate | 85-90% |
| Risk of Recurrence | Low (regular follow-up recommended) |
Urinary Incontinence Surgery Prices
The prices of urinary incontinence surgery vary depending on the surgical method applied (TVT, TOT, Mini-sling), the duration of hospital stay, and the type of material used. In our clinic, a personalized assessment is made for each patient, and an individual treatment plan is created. For current price information, please contact our clinic. 📞
Urinary incontinence surgery is a safe and effective treatment method that significantly enhances the quality of life for women. With appropriate patient selection, correct surgical technique, and regular follow-up, permanent relief can be achieved. 🌸
Frequently Asked Questions About Urinary Incontinence Surgery
Question: Is the surgery painful?
No, it is usually performed under local or spinal anesthesia. There may be a slight discomfort afterward, but it passes in a short time. 💊
Question: Will there be difficulty urinating after the surgery?
Short-term difficulty in urination may occur, but it usually resolves within a few days. ⚕️
Question: When does sexual life return to normal?
Intercourse is usually allowed after 4-6 weeks, and sexual life is not affected once healing is complete. 🌿
Question: Is there a recurrence after the surgery?
It can occur in rare cases, but the recurrence rate is quite low with appropriate surgical technique and follow-up. ✅
