Urinary Bladder Suspension

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Urinary bladder suspension is also know as a laparoscopic Burch procedure. This procedure is done to treat stress urinary incontinence and bladder prolapse.

HOW TO PREPARE:

The week before your procedure:

Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
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.
Keep a record of the number of times you urinate each day. Describe the color and amount of your urine for each time you use the bathroom. Bring this record with you when you see your healthcare provider.
Practice Kegel exercises, and keep doing them even after your procedure. These exercises squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and help them become stronger. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about Kegel exercises.
You may need blood and urine tests before your procedure. You may also need cystoscopy and a chest x-ray. Talk to your healthcare provider about these or other tests you may need. Write down the date, time, and location for each test.

The night before your procedure:

You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
Your bowel may need to be emptied and cleaned out before the procedure. Healthcare providers may give you a liquid medicine called an enema. This medicine will be put into your rectum to help empty your bowel. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to do this.

The day of your procedure:

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.
An anesthesiologist will talk to you before your surgery. You may need medicine to keep you asleep or numb an area of your body during surgery. Tell healthcare providers if you or anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia in the past.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN:

What will happen:

General anesthesia will keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Your surgeon will make several small incisions on your abdomen. A scope and other tools will be inserted below your belly button. Your surgeon will inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. The gas will help your healthcare provider see your organs.
Your surgeon will place stitches to suspend and hold the bladder in place. Stitches will also help support your pelvic ligaments. Pelvic ligaments are strong muscle-like tissues that support the organs in the abdomen, such as the uterus and bladder. The incisions are then closed with stitches or surgical tape and covered with bandages.

After your procedure:

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.

CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

You have a fever.
You get a cold or the flu.
Your urine is leaking more often than usual.
You have questions or concerns about your procedure.

Seek Care Immediately if

You feel something is bulging into your vagina and not going back in.

Risks

You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. You may need to have one large incision instead of several small incisions. Your bladder or intestines may be injured during the procedure. You may get a blood clot in your leg or arm. This may become life-threatening. Your symptoms may only go away for a short time, or not at all.

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