NJ Urethral Sling Procedures

Many women in the United States suffer from urinary incontinence. There are several forms of urinary incontinence (stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, and mixed incontinence). At Somerset Urological Associates, we treat several of these variations of incontinence in different ways depending on the severity of the case. For severe cases of stress incontinence and overactive bladder, a urethral sling procedure may be recommended.

 

While other therapies may be less invasive, the urinary sling procedure is an excellent option for women who haven’t responded well to other procedures. There are a few different sling procedures that are available, but your doctor at SUA will help determine which is best for the individual patient. This procedure involves the use of synthetic mesh, your own skin, or animal/donor tissue, to create a sling under the urethra. This hammock-like structure supports the urethra and helps keep it closed to prevent leaking.

 

Conventional Sling

A conventional sling involves an incision on the vagina, where a sling is placed under the neck of the patient’s bladder. Another incision is made in the abdomen, allowing the expert urologist from SUA to adjust the tension of the sling. The sling is then attached to the pelvic tissue using stitches.

Tension-Free Sling

A tension-free sling is similar to the conventional sling, except stitches are not used to hold the sling in place. Instead, the body’s own tissue holds it in place, while scar tissue forms to keep it from moving. There are three approaches to the tension-free sling method: retropubic, transobturator, and single-incision mini.

The retropubic approach involves a small incision inside the vagina, under the urethra and two small incisions above the pubic bone. This allows the surgeon to pass a needle through (with the sling) behind the pubic bone. Absorbable stitches keep it in place.

The transobturator approach is very similar to the retropubic approach, except the sling is passed through a different entryway.

The single-incision mini approach allows the surgeon to utilize just one incision in the vagina to perform the procedure.

After the Procedure

Typically, recovery takes around 2-4 weeks for a urethral sling procedure. Follow all of your surgeon’s directions for post-operative care to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.

If you are interested or in need of a urethral sling procedure in Somerset, New Jersey, then contact Somerset Urological Associates today. Our experts in urological care will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, or recommend an alternative approach if one exists. You don’t have to suffer with urinary incontinence in Somerset, NJ any longer; make an appointment at SUA today.