Understanding colposuspension
Pregnancy, along with exercise, sneezing and laughing, can cause stress incontinence, which is when involuntary urination occurs due to pressure put on the abdomen and bladder.
Treatment for stress incontinence includes colposuspension: a surgical procedure which helps prevent involuntary leaks in women. A surgeon cuts into the lower tummy (abdomen), lifts the top muscles of the bladder and then stitches it into a higher position to prevent urine leakage.
What does colposuspension treatment involve?
Colposuspension can be performed by either keyhole surgery (laparoscopy), or by open surgery.
Laparoscopy involves using small surgical instruments to make several minor cuts in the abdomen, whereas, open surgery involves making a larger cut in the lower abdomen to enable the surgeon access to the bladder.
The bladder is stitched in an elevated position at the top of the vagina. Your surgeon may want to ensure that the stitches have been made in the correct position, and to check for bladder trauma, by inserting a small camera inside the bladder.
Who can have colposuspension treatment?
A colposuspension may be recommended to those who have tried other treatments for stress incontinence that have not worked. It is typically recommended by a doctor or gynaecologist.
Colposuspension recovery
Colposuspension treatment can leave women feeling pain or discomfort for up to six weeks. Taking regular painkillers, for example: ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help manage this.
Recovery may also include draining urine from the bladder by having a catheter inserted, or draining any blood or other fluid from the wound.
For six to eight weeks after colposuspension treatment, patients should not have sex, undertake strenuous exercise, or lift heavy goods to avoid causing trauma to the wound. Patients may also experience vaginal bleeding, and should avoid daily activities such as driving, until the pain from the procedure has subsided.
Other questions about recovery can be answered by your surgeon.
Recovery from colposuspension surgery rarely causes complications, however, in some cases adverse reactions can include:
* Elevated pain
* Pain when passing urine
* Difficulty in passing urine
* Infection signs, such as redness, pain and swelling, or pus produced from the wound)
* An elevated temperature
If you are experiencing side effects from colposuspension, stress incontinence issues, have questions regarding Laparoscopy, pregnancy care, or are seeking a private gynaecologist in London, please contact us today.
