SUI, or stress urinary incontinence, causes an unwanted loss of urine during activities such as laughing, exercising, or sneezing. When these occur in a patient with pelvic floor dysfunction, it can be embarrassing and cause a woman to feel extremely self-conscious. It is believed that 50 percent of women over the age of 65 have stress urinary incontinence, and a third of women over the age of 45 have stress urinary incontinence. The condition is caused by the weakened support of the urethra, and can be addressed with the surgical placement of a sling.
Slings are used to support the bladder to bring it back to its original position through a surgical procedure. This is performed by creating a vaginal incision and using a patient’s own tissue to support the neck of the bladder. If there is not sufficient tissue, Dr. Gandhi may use alternative slings made of donor tissue or synthetic materials. At Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology, Dr. Gandhi uses mid-urethral slings.
A consultation appointment and examination with Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology is the best way to determine the most appropriate solution for a patient’s specific medical needs. In many instances, non-surgical options may be considered before surgery is chosen.
The surgery for the insertion of a sling is relatively short. Approximately thirty minutes is needed to perform the procedure. It is an outpatient surgery, allowing patients to return home afterwards, and is completed under sedation with local anesthesia. Other procedures can be done at the same time if necessary, such as supportive procedures to address a dropped bowel or uterus.
Dr. Gandhi has found that patients have experienced wonderful results with a mid-urethral sling to reduce the severity of their condition and enjoy life without hesitation. Non-invasive treatments are discussed and attempted, when appropriate, before surgical procedures are considered. Call Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology today to meet the team at Dr. Gandhi’s practice and learn more about stress urinary incontinence and available solutions.
