Bladder suspension surgery, also known as bladder neck suspension or urethral suspension, is a surgical procedure aimed at treating urinary incontinence in both men and women. It involves securing the bladder and urethra in a higher position within the pelvis to improve urinary control. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our urology specialists perform bladder suspension surgeries with advanced techniques to help patients regain bladder function and enhance their quality of life.

Understanding Bladder Suspension Surgery:

Purpose and Importance:

• Bladder suspension surgery is recommended for individuals experiencing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or urethral hypermobility, where activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising lead to urine leakage.
• The surgery aims to restore proper bladder support, reduce urinary leakage episodes, and improve continence.

Procedure Overview:

Preparation and Anesthesia:

• Prior to surgery, patients undergo comprehensive evaluations, including medical history reviews, physical examinations, and possibly urodynamic testing to assess bladder function and incontinence severity.
• General or regional anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.

Surgical Techniques:

• Open Surgery: Involves making an incision in the lower abdomen or vaginal area to access and reposition the bladder and urethra. Surgical tapes, sutures, or supportive mesh may be used to stabilize and suspend the bladder neck and urethra.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques may be employed, utilizing smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and video guidance for precise bladder suspension while reducing surgical trauma and recovery time.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery:

Hospital Stay and Follow-up:

• Patients may require a short hospital stay post-surgery for monitoring and initial recovery, depending on the surgical approach and individual health factors.
• Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress, assess bladder function, and address any post-operative concerns or adjustments needed.

Continence Management and Lifestyle:

• Urology specialists provide guidance on pelvic floor exercises, bladder training techniques, and lifestyle modifications to support continence and optimize surgical outcomes.
• Patients are encouraged to maintain regular follow-ups, adhere to prescribed medications or interventions, and report any new symptoms promptly for ongoing management.

 

Who is a candidate for bladder suspension surgery?

Candidates include individuals with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or urethral hypermobility causing significant urine leakage during activities such as coughing, laughing, or physical exertion.

 

Are there different types of bladder suspension procedures?

Yes, bladder suspension techniques vary based on surgical approaches (open, laparoscopic, robotic) and may involve different methods of supporting and stabilizing the bladder neck and urethra.

 

How long does recovery take after bladder suspension surgery?

Recovery times vary but generally involve a few weeks of limited activity, gradually resuming normal daily activities based on healthcare provider recommendations and post-operative healing progress.

 

Can bladder suspension surgery correct all types of urinary incontinence?

Bladder suspension surgery primarily addresses stress urinary incontinence (SUI) related to bladder or urethral position issues. Other types of incontinence, such as urge incontinence or overflow incontinence, may require different treatments.

 

What are the potential risks or complications of bladder suspension surgery?

Risks may include infection, bleeding, urinary retention, bladder or urethral injury, or complications related to anesthesia. Healthcare teams take precautions and provide post-operative care to minimize these risks.

 

Will bladder suspension surgery affect sexual function?

Bladder suspension surgery primarily focuses on urinary continence and typically does not impact sexual function. Patients can discuss any concerns about sexual health or intimacy with their healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

 

Is bladder suspension surgery covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage varies based on medical necessity, insurance plans, and policy specifics. Patients should consult with their insurance providers and healthcare teams to understand coverage options, pre-authorization requirements, and financial considerations.