Valuable Treatment for Men with Stress Urinary Incontinence
The term stress urinary incontinence generally means nothing to most men. If a man has heard this term, it most likely relates to a woman in his life. To have stress urinary incontinence means that urine leaks from the bladder during times of physical activity, such as jogging or sneezing or coughing. Women are prone to this condition as their body changes after childbirth and menopause. Men who have been treated with radical prostatectomy will likely experience accidental urine leakage as an outcome of their procedure.
There is Hope for Improved Quality of Life
In our men’s health and microsurgery center in Chattanooga, we are meticulous in our approach to prostate cancer and other conditions affecting this gland. We understand the delicate nature of the male lower urinary tract system and take every possible measure to protect it. Many prostatectomy procedures performed today involve a robotic surgical system and minimally-invasive technique. Still, urinary incontinence as a surgical side effect will likely occur. Stress urinary incontinence can be incredibly disruptive to a person’s daily routine. If and when symptoms develop, patients are encouraged to speak with their doctor right away. With appropriate care, quality of life can be preserved.
Stress urinary incontinence after prostatectomy may involve one of a few different surgical options. Historically, physicians have installed artificial urinary sphincters to support bladder function. Today, male slings are being used more frequently. We are proud to provide treatment using the Virtue sling to help men regain physical wellness.
What is a Male Sling?
Urethral slings have been used for many years to treat women with various types of urinary incontinence. The male sling has been developed with the same intent. The function of this artificial structure is to elevate and realign the urethra, the duct that through which urine travels from the bladder out of the body. In addition to elevating the urethra, the Virtue sling also gently compresses this duct to mimic the natural resistance against urination.
The Virtue sling is advantageous because its design has four “arms” to hold the urethra in an elevated state. Made from polypropylene mesh, the sling is inserted at the lower part of the bulbous urethra. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients can return home a short time after their surgery. At home, normal activities are gradually resumed over a 4 to 6-week period. The results are expected to be permanent, enabling a man to resume an active lifestyle.
Learn more about prostate conditions, urinary incontinence treatments, and the Virtue male sling by calling our Chattanooga office at (423) 778-4MEN (4636).
