Improving Urinary Leakage After Prostatectomy
Studies have confirmed that urinary outcomes are a crucial aspect of patient satisfaction after prostate surgery. Normal bladder function has a major impact on a person’s quality of life. Men who undergo radical prostatectomy understandably want reassurance that they will regain this function at some point after their procedure. According to statistics, approximately 55% of men treated with radical prostatectomy return to their baseline urinary function in the year after surgery. Additionally, between approximately 25 and 45 percent of patients experience climacturia, or urinary leakage during sexual activity.
Dr. Shridharani is a men’s health specialist who prioritizes optimal results for every patient. Knowing that persistent stress incontinence may be problematic after radical prostatectomy, he offers proven treatments to manage this side effect. The Virtue® Male Sling is one of them.
What is a Male Sling?
The male sling is a medical device developed to improve urinary incontinence caused by sphincter weakness or insufficiency resultant from radical prostatectomy or TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate. Positioned around the urethral bulb, a sling repositions the urethra into optimal position while simultaneously applying slight compression on the area.
The Virtue male sling is made of flexible, soft polypropylene mesh. The implantation of this device offers significant benefits to men with mild to moderate urinary leakage. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and requires only one small incision. A catheter may stay in place until the next day. This is necessary to empty the bladder during initial recovery when swelling may affect the urinary tract. After swelling subsides, patients can expect to be able to empty their bladder. However, it may take some time for a normal urination pattern to be reinstated. Individual recovery varies, but most patients notice the positive impact of surgery within approximately 8 weeks.
Urinary leakage disrupts daily life and can contribute to anxiety and depression. After prostate treatment, men may consider several options to improve bladder control. We go beyond comfort control using pads and diapers to offer viable solutions that minimize or end the need for such supplies. To explore your treatment options for male urinary incontinence, call (423) 778-4MEN (4636), where we can schedule a consultation for you in our Chattanooga office.
