A solution to male incontinence: Learn about the Male Sling Procedure

Perhaps after surgery for a reason such as prostate cancer, do you also unintentionally leak some urine? If this happens when you laugh, cough, or lift something heavy, I understand how annoying it can be. We call this condition urinary incontinence. But don't worry, it happens to many people. The best thing is that there are very effective treatments for this. Today we are talking about one such very effective, simple surgery. That is the 'Male Sling' surgery.

Simply put, what is Male Sling surgery?

This is a very simple, minor surgery. To be precise, it provides a little support to your urethra. Imagine that the doctor takes a soft, synthetic mesh-like surgical tape and very carefully wraps it around a part of your urethra.

This belt lifts the urethra and bladder neck slightly, providing support. This helps control urine flow when pressure on the bladder increases (such as when coughing or laughing). This helps your sphincter muscles control urination.

Who is this surgery recommended for?

Doctors often recommend this treatment for men who have urinary control problems after a radical prostatectomy.

This is a very effective solution, especially if you have mild to moderate incontinence. That means you use one to three pads a day, so you can talk to your doctor about this surgery.

What tests are done before surgery?

Before you undergo this surgery, your doctor will perform several tests to accurately assess your health. This will help determine how suitable the surgery is for you and how successful it will be.

How to prepare for surgery?

Your doctor will give you clear instructions about this. Usually,

• Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking: You should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Some medications, such as blood thinners , may need to be stopped about two weeks before surgery.
• Food and Drink: You will be told to drink only liquids from the night before surgery. You will also be told not to eat or drink anything from the morning of surgery. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly.

How is the surgery performed?

This is a surgery that usually takes about an hour. You will be given general anesthesia by an anesthesiologist, so you will not feel any pain. You will be asleep.

After you fall asleep, the urologist will:

1. A very small incision is made in the area between your scrotum and anus (perineum).

2. Go through it and slowly expose the urethra.

3. Then, the previously mentioned special sling is placed around the urethra, precisely in a way that provides support to the urinary control muscle.

This band gently holds the urethra in its new position. This helps control the flow of urine. The incision is then stitched up and covered with a clean bandage.

What happens after the surgery?

You will feel a little sluggish after you regain consciousness. You will be taken to a recovery room, where you will be monitored and given medication to control the pain.

Most of the time, this is an outpatient procedure . This means you can go home the same day. However, sometimes you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. This is determined by your doctor.

After surgery, it may be difficult to urinate at first due to swelling. Therefore, you will have a urinary catheter inserted for a few days. Once the swelling goes down, you will be able to urinate normally.

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

Like any surgery, this one has benefits and very minor risks.

Main advantages:

• A very successful solution to the problem of urinary incontinence. (Success rate is close to 80%)
• Since the surgery uses a very small incision , the recovery time is short.
• The scar is very small.
• This sling is completely inside the body. It is not visible from the outside.
• This lasts a long time, like 10-15 years.

Possible side effects (these are very rare):

• Urinary retention: This is the most common temporary problem. You may need to use a catheter for a few weeks.
• Bleeding or infection.
• Over time, the sling may wear away into the urethra (erosion).
• Recurrence of loss of urinary control.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI).
• Symptoms such as frequent urination (urinary frequency) or having to get up at night to urinate (nocturia).

Recovery time and when to see a doctor

You will usually start to feel better within a week. It may take several weeks to fully recover.

• Going back to work: If you have an office job, you can go back to work in a few days. However, if you have a physically demanding job like lifting weights, you will need to rest for a few weeks.
• Sexual intercourse: Ask your doctor about this and follow his or her advice.

When you should see a doctor immediately:

• If you can't urinate at all .
• If there is blood in the urine (hematuria) .
• If you have symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, or swollen testicles.

In any case, see your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

Male Sling, urinary control, urinary incontinence, prostate, prostatectomy, surgery, men's health