Urinary incontinence is a condition where a person leaks urine involuntarily. It can occur for various reasons, including childbirth, menopause, nerve damage, and underlying medical conditions.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Nerve damage
- Overactive bladder
- Obstructions in the urinary tract
- Medications
- Neurological conditions
Treatment Options While lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medications can be helpful for some people, surgery may be necessary for those with more severe or persistent symptoms.
Types of Urinary Incontinence Surgery
- TVT (Transvaginal Tape): A minimally invasive procedure where a synthetic tape is inserted under the urethra to provide support.
- TOT (Transobturator Tape): Similar to TVT, but the tape is inserted through a small incision in the pelvic area.
- Burch colposuspension: A more traditional surgery that involves suspending the bladder neck to a ligament in the pelvis.
- Sacral nerve stimulation: A device is implanted to stimulate the nerves that control the bladder.
When to Consider Surgery
- If conservative treatments like pelvic floor exercises and medications have not been effective.
- If the incontinence is significantly impacting your quality of life.
- If you have a combination of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
What to expect during surgery
- Surgery is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
- The specific procedure will depend on the type of incontinence and the individual’s anatomy.
- Recovery time varies but is usually relatively short.
Benefits of surgery
- Improved bladder control
- Increased quality of life
- Reduced use of incontinence products
Risks associated with surgery
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Damage to nearby organs
- Recurrence of incontinence
Choosing the right surgery The best surgery for you will depend on several factors, including:
- The type of incontinence you have
- Your overall health
- Your age
- Your lifestyle
It’s important to discuss all your options with your doctor to make an informed decision.
For Treatment in Istanbul
For the diagnosis and treatment of stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, reflex incontinence, and temporary urinary incontinence, you can contact Prof. Dr. Ateş Karateke in Istanbul.