Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. It is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. This issue is common among women, particularly those over 40 years of age. However, it can affect individuals at any stage of life, with a range of causes behind the condition. For women, childbirth, aging, menopause, and weight gain are among the most common contributors.
The condition can manifest in different ways, such as leaking urine during coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. While some women may experience mild symptoms, others may find it severely limits their daily activities, causing significant psychological and social discomfort. Treatment for urinary incontinence can often be addressed with conservative methods. However, when these methods fail to provide relief, surgery becomes a viable option.
Surgical Options for Urinary Incontinence Treatment
There are two primary surgical options for treating urinary incontinence: Burch Colposuspension and Transvaginal Tape (TVT). Both of these methods are minimally invasive and aimed at providing long-term relief from the condition.
- Burch Colposuspension : Burch Colposuspension is one of the most common surgical procedures performed for urinary incontinence. It involves making a small incision in the abdominal area. Through this incision, the surgeon will create a new tissue structure to support the connective ligaments that hold the muscles in the urinary tract in place. By providing extra support to the bladder and urethra, this technique helps prevent the involuntary leakage of urine. The procedure takes between 30 minutes to an hour and is often performed under general or regional anesthesia.
- Transvaginal Tape (TVT) : The Transvaginal Tape procedure involves inserting a synthetic mesh band through a small incision in the vagina. The mesh is then passed behind the pubic bone and fixed in place to support the urethra. This technique helps to restore the proper positioning of the bladder neck, which reduces or eliminates urine leakage. The polypropylene mesh used in this procedure is durable, biocompatible, and designed to provide long-term results. Like Burch Colposuspension, this surgery typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, and patients usually recover more quickly due to its minimally invasive nature.