WHAT IS STRESS INCONTINENCE?
Stress
incontinence is the uncontrollable leakage of urine that results from simple
activities or physical functions such as coughing, laughing, running, walking,
sneezing, sex, etc. Stress incontinence occurs in women, usually middle-aged,
and often after childbirth. It is estimated that over 50% of women over forty
suffer to some degree from stress incontinence.
WHAT CAUSES STRESS INCONTINENCE?
Stress
incontinence is normally caused by stretching of the tissue supporting the
bladder. When coughing, laughing, etc., the bladder causes it to open
involuntarily and results in embarrassing leakage of urine.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
External Protection
To overcome the
embarrassment of stress incontinence, women often wear absorptive protection
designed to trap leakage. This is time consuming, frustrating and extremely
inconvenient. It also never corrects the source of the problem. Anyone relying
on this method must rely on it for life. Additionally, bladder infections
frequently occur in women with stress incontinence.
"Open" BNS Surgery
This surgery will
permanently correct the frustration and embarrassment of stress incontinence in
a significant percentage of cases. It involves a special surgical procedure
which adds support for the bladder. Bladder Neck Suspension (BNS) is a proven
alternative potentially helpful to those who desire relief.
Vaginal BNS Surgery
The Raz or Stamey
is also a surgical cure requiring a smaller abdominal incision as well as a
vaginal incision.
Laparoscopic BNS Surgery
This procedure is
performed through several small (dime-sized) incisions with the aid of a small
telescope called a laparoscope. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive and has
distinct advantages over "open" surgery. Patients usually return home from the
hospital the same day and may go back to work within a week.
Bladder Sling
This surgery can
be done "open" or vaginally and provides excellent bladder support. Bladder
slings are particularly good for women who have failed previous procedures.
The "Balloon" Videoscopic Bladder
Neck Suspension Procedure
A new procedure
called "Balloon" Videoscopic Bladder Neck Suspension is now being performed by
our surgical group. Until recently, the bladder was difficult to reach
laparoscopically because of its anatomic location outside the abdominal cavity
(where the digestive and reproductive organs are located). The reach the
bladder, surgeons had to enter the abdomen to perform the procedure.
Now, with the
laparoscope and an innovative instrument called the "balloon dissector", this
area can be reached without entering the abdominal cavity. Since the abdominal
cavity is not entered to perform the surgery, risk of damaging other organs is
minimized. The procedure may sometimes be done with regional anesthesia rather
than general anesthesia. With regional anesthesia, you are not put to sleep.
This also reduces surgical risk. Additionally, because small incisions are used,
there is minimal discomfort and you usually return home the day of or the day
following the surgery.
The "Balloon"
Videoscopic Bladder Neck Suspension Procedure is the most advanced surgical
procedure available today to treat stress incontinence.
Which Bladder Neck Suspension Procedure
is for me?
Each person is
unique. Your surgeon will suggest the best surgical procedure for your
condition. As with any surgery, certain risks are involved of which you must be
aware. Your surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
A
free video is available upon request from our office.
