TREATMENTS
Transobturator Sling Procedure: Getting the Right Support
Stress incontinence, a type of urinary incontinence mainly caused by activities including heavy lifting, laughter, exercise, sneezing, and coughing is one of the most common urogynecological conditions that women face. And while it may seem as though it’s simply a part of life that must be endured, stress incontinence can actually be treated through a number of techniques including lifestyle changes, pelvic floor physical therapy, medications, or the implantation of a supportive sling during a surgery called transobturator sling procedure.
Mesh Slings Uses
Mesh slings have been used as a method of treatment for urogynecological disorders including pelvic organ prolapse, providing physical support for the prolapsed organ so it can function more properly and improve the patient’s overall health. In cases of prolapsed bladder, the mesh slings were originally passed behind the pubic bone during retropubic sling procedures; but because of the risk of bowel or bladder injuries caused by such an approach, the transobturator sling procedure was developed, reducing the angle of the sling placement by passing it through obturator canals, which are natural canals on each side of the pubic bone.
Under the specialized care of a urogynecologist or at an incontinence clinic, patients can be properly advised on the efficacy of the implantation of a mesh sling such as a bladder sling or urethral sling for their particular condition; and at Coyle Institute, we can provide our clients with that particular expertise. With their years of practice in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Michael Coyle specializes in performing the transobturator sling procedure and can offer patients peace of mind in knowing that their health is being given the highest level of care.
Course Control
At Coyle Institute, when we perform a transobturator sling procedure to treat stress incontinence, we use the Altis® sling, which is a permanent mesh sling composed of synthetic materials implanted specifically to provide support to the urethra, a thin tube that conveys urine from the bladder and out of the body. Once the sling is implanted, patients are able to control their bladder, reducing the occurrence of stress incontinence and providing them with permanent relief that they might have once considered impossible. Over the course of time, the body will naturally grow tissue at the implantation site, which is crucial to proper healing as well as the long-term success of the sling in its ability to provide support and stay in place.
All medical procedures come at a risk, though the transobturator sling procedure generally causes fewer mesh complications than the retropubic approach. Such complications may include neurological problems including weakness or numbness in the legs. Overall, however, the use of medical mesh slings to treat pelvic organ prolapse and provide relief from stress incontinence has been successful and extremely beneficial to the patient; and because of that, we feel confident in offering this procedure to the women in our care.
No woman should feel that she has no control when it comes to matters of her health; and while incontinence is a sensitive matter that often causes embarrassment as well as limitations on normal life, the team at Coyle Institute is dedicated to giving the women in our care the emotional support they need as they seek out advice in regaining control.
Don’t face your health concerns alone! Call the supportive team at Coyle Institute a call today!