Bladder Neck Suspension
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about a bladder neck suspension?
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 do I prepare for surgery?
- Arrange to have someone drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
- 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.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you currently 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.
- Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He or she will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
What will happen during surgery?
- 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 into your vagina. This will help you heal and will lower the risk for infection.
What are the risks of surgery?
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 form between your vagina and rectum. You may get a blood clot in one of your limbs. 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.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
