By Body1 Staff
Incontinence is commonly thought to affect only older women. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all women should request a screening for urinary incontinence at their annual gynecological exam. Studies show that 50 percent of women have occasional incontinence, and as many as 10 percent have regular incontinence. In women over 75 years of age, nearly 20 percent experience daily incontinence.
A sudden increase in pressure on the bladder such as sneezing, laughing, coughing, or other exertion causes stress incontinence, a common type of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs because the urethral sphincter is unable to hold urine; essentially, it is a storage problem. This storage problems occurs
because pelvic muscles that support the bladder weaken or malfunction. Prior trauma to the urethral area, neurological injury, and some medications may weaken the urethral closure. In men, prostate surgery may result in sphincter weakness, and women who have undergone pelvic surgery may experience it.
Women are more likely to experience stress incontinence as many factors such as multiple pregnancies, pelvic prolapse (protrusion of the bladder or urethra into the vaginal space), cystocele, or rectocele may result in weakened sphincter muscles. Additionally, women with low estrogen levels may have stress incontinence due to decreased vaginal muscle tone. Women account for more than 11 million of incontinence cases, yet doctors believe that number could be as high as 22 million. Less than half the women affected by incontinence consult their doctor.
Those who suffer from stress incontinence can choose among three major categories of treatments: bladder-retraining therapy, medications, and surgery. One’s choice depends on the severity of the symptoms and the extent that the symptoms interfere with a person’s lifestyle.
Dr. Shyam Hatangadi, a gynecologist specializing in female urinary problems, and Dr. Mark Mokrzycki, have innovated a new treatment for stress incontinence known as the Tension-free Vaginal Tape System (TVT). The TVT system takes approximately 30 minutes and combines the use of a safe polypropylene mesh tape with a traditional surgical procedure known as a sling to correct stress incontinence. The surgeon weaves the mesh through the pelvic tissue and positions it underneath the urethra, creating a supportive sling. When pressure is exerted, such as during a cough or sneeze, the tape provides the support needed by the urethra to prevent leakage. The patient remains awake during the procedure.
Most surgical techniques used to treat stress incontinence involve general anesthesia, extensive surgery, in-patient recovery, and a risk of infections and other complications. The TVT procedure, because it is shorter (only 30 minutes) means a shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and less pain. Also, surgeons only use local anesthesia and patients generally return home in the same day.
Mokrzycki, who serves as director of Saint Peter’s Health Center for Women in New Jersey, and Hetangadi, associate director, are two of only a few surgeons trained in this procedure. Patients have also been pleased with the results. One woman who received the surgery was back on her feet within a week, had no pain, and even sneeze with no problem. Women who are interested in learning more about the procedure can visit the Saint Peter’s University Web site at:
http://www.
www.saintpetersuh.com
References:
LifeCare Report: A Community Health Focus from Saint Peter’s Hospital. “Innovative Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique Proven Effective in Correcting Female Stress Incontinence.”
