Bladder Neck Suspension

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

A bladder neck suspension is surgery to move your bladder and urethra back into their correct positions. This surgery is used to treat stress incontinence. You may leak urine when you strain, such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or lift a heavy object.

HOW TO PREPARE:

The week before your surgery:

Arrange to have someone drive you home from surgery and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
Tell your surgeon about all medicines you take. Include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicine before your surgery, and when to stop.
Tell your surgeon about all allergies you have. Tell him or her if you have ever had an allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medicine.
You may need blood or urine tests before your surgery.
An anesthesiologist will talk to you before your surgery. Tell him or her if you or anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia. You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Spinal or epidural anesthesia may instead be given to numb the area. You may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery if you have spinal or epidural anesthesia.

The night before your surgery:

You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.

The day of your surgery:

You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
Take only the medicines your surgeon told you to take.
An IV may be put into a vein. Medicine or liquid may be given through the IV.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN:

What will happen:

You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Spinal or epidural anesthesia may instead be given to numb the area. You may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery if you have spinal or epidural anesthesia.
Your surgeon will make an incision in your vagina. Another incision may be made in your lower abdomen. He or she will put stitches around your bladder to hold it up against your abdominal wall. This helps prevent urine from leaking when you strain.
The incision will be closed with stitches. Gauze bandages with medical cream may be put in your vagina. This will help you heal and will lower the risk for infection.

After your surgery:

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You will be monitored closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will then be able to go home or be taken to your hospital room.

CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

You have a fever.
You get a cold or the flu.
You have questions or concerns about your surgery.

Risks

You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Surgery may block your bladder and cause irritation and difficulty urinating. A fistula (abnormal connection) may develop between your vagina and your rectum. You may get a blood clot in an arm or leg. This may become life-threatening.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer