WHAT IS A SLING PROCEDURE?

A Sling Procedure is a surgical method used to treat urinary leakage. A sling is positioned around a portion of the urinary tract providing support and applying pressure to prevent urine from leaking out.

REASON FOR THIS PROCEDURE

Sling Procedures are usually performed to help control stress urinary incontinence, a condition when small amounts of urine may leak while sneezing, coughing, laughing, lifting or exercising.

THE PROCEDURE

The standard Sling Surgery is an inpatient procedure. Under general or spinal anesthesia, one or two incisions are made, and a sling is placed around the urethra and the neck of the bladder to lift and apply pressure to help maintain urine retention. The sling may be made from a synthetic mesh material or muscle or connective tissue taken from the patient.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS, RISKS, AND COMPLICATIONS

Side effects from the procedure may include having to urinate too often or being unable to urinate, urinary tract infection and painful sex. Complications may include injury to the bladder, urethra or ureters, internal bleeding or infection at the incision sites. If the sling is composed of a mesh material, there is a chance it may break down over time.