🏥 Sling Surgery for Urinary Incontinence Expertise of Dr. Yasir Iqbal

Sling surgery is a common and effective procedure used to treat urinary incontinence — the involuntary leakage of urine. It involves placing a sling-like mesh or tissue strip under the urethra (urine tube) to provide support and lift, helping to restore bladder control.

👩‍⚕️ Who Needs Sling Surgery?

Sling surgeries are usually recommended for:

• Women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (leakage when coughing, sneezing, or lifting)

• Men who have urinary leakage after prostate surgery (post-prostatectomy incontinence)

• Patients who have not improved with conservative treatments like pelvic floor exercises or medications

🔍 Types of Sling Surgeries

For Women:

1. Midurethral Sling (Synthetic Mesh)

   • Most common type

   • Placed under the mid-portion of the urethra

   • Minimally invasive with fast recovery

2. Autologous Sling

   • Uses a strip of the patient’s own tissue (often from the abdomen or thigh)

   • Recommended for women with prior failed sling surgery or mesh concerns

For Men:

1. Male Sling Procedure

   • Designed for mild to moderate leakage

   • Sling compresses the urethra and supports sphincter function

   • Common in men after prostatectomy

🛠️ How the Procedure Works

• Performed under general or spinal anesthesia

• A small incision is made in the vaginal wall (for women) or between the scrotum and anus (for men)

• The sling is placed under the urethra and secured

• It acts like a hammock or shelf, giving gentle compression and preventing leakage

• Surgery usually takes 30–60 minutes, often as a day-care procedure

✅ Benefits of Sling Surgery

• Minimally invasive with quick recovery

• Over 80–90% success rate in properly selected patients

• Long-lasting results

• Short hospital stay

• Can significantly improve quality of life

⏱ Recovery

• Most patients resume light activity in a few days

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about 4–6 weeks

• Full recovery typically within 6 weeks

• Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and sling position

⚠️ Risks and Side Effects

Though generally safe, sling surgery may carry risks such as:

• Difficulty urinating (temporary or rarely persistent)

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Mesh-related complications (in synthetic slings)

• Pain or discomfort at the surgical site

• Sling erosion or need for revision (rare)

🧠 Summary

Sling surgeries offer a reliable and minimally invasive treatment for urinary incontinence in both men and women. With a high success rate and minimal downtime, it is a trusted option for patients seeking long-term relief from the physical and emotional burden of urine leakage.