Surgery for urinary incontinence: how it is done, preparation and recovery

Surgery for urinary incontinence is indicated when other treatment options, such as physical therapy or medication, have not been effective in relieving involuntary urine loss.

This surgery is performed by a urologist under local or epidural anesthesia and has an 80% chance of success, and can be performed by women or men, using different surgical techniques.

Surgery for urinary incontinence can be carried out free of charge by the SUS, as long as there is a medical indication, or carried out in private hospitals.

When is it indicated

Surgery for urinary incontinence is indicated for cases of stress or stress urinary incontinence when:

• There was no improvement in symptoms with physiotherapy treatment or the use of medication;
• The use of medicines is not recommended.

Surgery for urinary incontinence provides support for the urethra and bladder, preventing involuntary loss of urine, improving quality of life.

If you want an evaluation with a urologist, schedule an appointment in the nearest region:

How to prepare for surgery

To prepare for urinary incontinence surgery it is recommended:

• Fasting completely for about 8 hours, starting at midnight the night before surgery;
• Take your usual medicines normally, with a little water;
• Inform the doctor about the use of medicines, vitamins or dietary supplements that are frequently used;
• Inform about allergies to anesthetics or other medicines.

Furthermore, it is important to clarify any doubts about the surgery and recovery with your doctor.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend stopping anticoagulant treatment a few days before surgery to prevent bleeding.

Before undergoing surgery, you must also take all the tests requested by your doctor, such as blood tests and surgical risk, to assess your general health status and the risk of complications.

How it is made

Surgery for urinary incontinence is performed by the urological surgeon in the hospital, using general or spinal anesthesia.

Before starting surgery, saline is administered into the vein to hydrate and administer medications and/or general anesthesia.

Surgery for urinary incontinence can be performed using different techniques, which vary according to age, cause of incontinence, severity of symptoms and health history.

In most cases, it is only necessary to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days and then you can return home, just paying attention to following some precautions.

Types of surgery

The main types of surgery for urinary incontinence are:

1. Phytas suburethrais

Suburethral taping surgery, also called sling, is one of the most used techniques indicated for urinary incontinence in women. However, it can also be performed on men.

This technique consists of placing a surgical tape under the urethra to support and support it, increasing the ability to hold pee.

2. Injection “bulking agents“

The injection of bulking agents It is a technique generally indicated for people who have a small involuntary loss of urine due to stress urinary incontinence.

This technique is performed using endoscopy, injecting substances close to the urethra, which helps to reduce the width of the urethra, allowing the urethra to become more closed, preventing urine leakage.

3. Artificial urinary sphincter

This type of surgery for urinary incontinence is performed by creating an artificial sphincter, which prevents urine from escaping from the bladder into the urethra.

Generally, this surgery is recommended for men with stress or stress urinary incontinence, and is rarely performed on women.

What is recovery like from surgery?

Recovery after surgery for urinary incontinence is relatively quick and painless, and it is important to follow some precautions, such as:

• Avoid exertion for 15 daysnot being able to exercise, bend down, lift weights or stand up suddenly;
• Eat foods rich in fiber to avoid constipation;
• Avoid coughing or sneezing in the 1st month;
• Wash the genital region with water and neutral soap always after urinating and evacuating;
• Wear cotton panties or underwear to prevent the emergence of infections;
• Do not use tampons, menstrual cup or vaginal douches, in the case of women;
• Not having intimate relationships for at least 40 days;
• Don’t take a bathswimming pool or sea to avoid contact with contaminated water.

These post-operative care must be followed strictly to prevent the risk of complications, but depending on the type of surgery, the doctor may give other instructions, which must also be followed.

After 2 weeks, your doctor may recommend starting pelvic physiotherapy, which helps to strengthen the muscles around the bladder, accelerating recovery and ensuring better results.

Possible risks of surgery

Although it is relatively safe, incontinence surgery can cause some complications, such as:

• Difficulty urinating or completely emptying the bladder;
• Increased urge to urinate;
• More recurrent urinary infections;
• Burning sensation when urinating;
• Pain during intimate contact.

Therefore, before opting for surgery, it is important to try other treatment options for urinary incontinence, which is why it is important to consult a urologist. See all treatment options.