Suburethral Slings or Meshes
Suburethral slings or meshes are surgical devices designed to support the urethra and improve urinary control in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). These bands of biocompatible material are placed under the urethra to restore its position and enhance the closure of the urinary sphincter during activities such as coughing, laughing, or lifting.
This procedure is minimally invasive, of short duration, and has a high long-term success rate.
What is it used for?
Suburethral slings are mainly indicated for:
Stress urinary incontinence in women
- Caused by pelvic floor weakness, often due to pregnancy, vaginal delivery, or aging.
- An option for patients whose pelvic floor rehabilitation has not been sufficient.
Urinary incontinence in men after prostate surgery
- Patients who develop urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (prostate removal for cancer).
- Used in mild to moderate cases, when an artificial urinary sphincter is not required.
Main benefits
- Minimally invasive procedure → Performed through a small incision, reducing the risk of complications.
- High effectiveness → Most patients experience significant reduction or complete elimination of urinary leakage.
- Fast recovery → Patients can usually resume normal activities within a few days.
- Improved quality of life → Reduces the need for pads or absorbent products, increasing confidence and comfort.
- Long-term durability → Results generally last many years without the need for reintervention.
Special considerations
- Not ideal for severe incontinence → In these cases, an artificial urinary sphincter may be necessary.
- Possible minor complications → Some patients may experience temporary difficulty urinating or pelvic discomfort after surgery.
- Postoperative follow-up necessary → To assess the functionality of the sling and rule out complications.
