Male Sling Urology What is Stress Urinary Incontinence? Stress urinary incontinence is the leakage of urine with exercise or exertion that increases intraabdominal pressure, e.g. coughing, sneezing, laughing. It may occur in men after a radical prostatectomy (surgery for removal of the prostate) or radiation therapy to the prostate. It can also occur after trauma to the pelvic floor muscles. What is a male sling?
Figure 1. Two-arm sling Source: EAU Patient Information
A male sling consists of a synthetic mesh-like surgical tape. The urethra is a pipe through which urine leaves the body. The male sling is positioned around the urethral bulb, slightly compressing and moving the urethra into a new position. This supports your pelvic floor muscles and increases resistance to the pressure of a full bladder thereby reducing urinary leakage. Who is suitable for a male sling? The male sling helps men with stress incontinence. You may consider it if you experience mild to moderate stress incontinence (wetting one to three pads a day). If you have had radiotherapy, outcomes may be less effective, with a higher complication rate. How is the surgery performed? The surgery is performed under General or Spinal Anaesthesia. An incision is made through the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus) and small incisions made in both thighs. The surgeon will expose the urethra and place the male sling around part of the urethral bulb. Absorbable sutures will be used for wound closure.