Retropubic suspension treats stress urinary incontinence in women. The surgery lifts the sagging bladder and urethra. Then it supports them in their normal positions. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.
This type of surgery is done through small cuts in your lower belly. These cuts are called incisions. The doctor will put a lighted tube (scope) and other surgical tools through the cuts. The doctor will attach the bladder and the urethra to the pubic bone or other tissue. This will lift and hold the bladder and urethra in their normal positions. The doctor will close the incisions with stitches.
You will have a few small scars on your belly. They will fade with time.
Most people go home 1 or 2 days after the surgery. You will probably be able to go back to most of your usual activities in 2 to 4 weeks. But you may need 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
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Retropubic suspension is surgery to treat stress urinary incontinence in women. The surgery lifts the sagging bladder and urethra and supports them in their normal positions. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. After surgery for urinary incontinence, you may feel weak and tired for several days. You will probably feel some pain or cramping in your lower belly and need pain medicine for a week or two. After a laparoscopy, you may have shoulder pain. This is caused by the air your doctor put in your belly to help see your organs better. The pain may last for a day or two. You may feel like you need to urinate more often, and your urine may be pink. This usually gets better 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
You will have a tube (catheter) in place to drain urine from your bladder. Your doctor will remove the catheter when it is no longer needed.
You should have less or no urine leakage when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or exercise. In fact, at first you may find that it's harder than usual to empty your bladder. This usually gets better 1 to 2 weeks after the catheter is removed.
You will probably be able to go back to work and most of your usual activities in 1 to 2 weeks. But you may need 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. Try to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities that might put extra pressure on your bladder while you recover.
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