Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

OVERVIEW:

This is the type of leakage which occurs when there are increases in intra-abdominal pressure, such as with laughing, sneezing, or other physical exertion.  This leakage results from weakening of the ligaments which support the urethra (the tube through which you urinate).

TREATMENT:

• Conservative management with behavioral modification, weight loss, and pelvic floor rehabilitation with possible referral to physical therapy.
• Vaginal sling placement: An outpatient procedure that involves a small 2 cm vaginal incision and possibly 2 stab incisions in the groin or abdominal wall, followed by placement of small piece of mesh underneath the urethra to provide support.
• Injection of bulking agent into urethra: Outpatient procedure in which cystoscopy is performed, and a bulking agent is injected into peri-urethral tissues to allow better closure of urethral walls.