February 9, 2025
Colposuspension is a surgical procedure used to treat stress incontinence, where urine leaks during activities like coughing or exercise. It involves placing sutures near the urethra to support the bladder and reduce leakage. This procedure is typically performed through an abdominal incision and may be considered if pelvic exercises and lifestyle changes aren’t effective.
Stress incontinence is a common condition where urine leaks involuntarily during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Affecting up to 1 in 4 women, it can be both frustrating and embarrassing. While pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes often help, surgery like colposuspension may be necessary when these methods aren’t effective.
Colposuspension, also known as Burch colposuspension, is a surgical procedure designed to treat stress incontinence. During the surgery, sutures are placed in the vagina near the urethra and connected to supportive ligaments, elevating the vagina and providing better support to the urethra. This can help reduce or eliminate the involuntary leakage of urine caused by weakened pelvic muscles and ligaments, often due to childbirth or aging.
The surgery is typically done through an abdominal incision, usually a horizontal cut near the bikini line. Some surgeons may opt for a less invasive laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgery. During the procedure, the bladder and urethra are carefully exposed, and sutures are attached to the ligaments behind the pubic bone. To ensure accuracy, a cystoscopy may be performed, using a camera to check the bladder. A drain and sometimes a catheter are left in place for a couple of days to help with recovery.
If pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes don’t relieve your stress incontinence, colposuspension could be an effective surgical option. It provides lasting results for many women, offering a better quality of life and the freedom to engage in daily activities without the worry of leakage.
