Suspension procedures to treat stress incontinence

A bladder neck suspension reinforces the urethra and bladder neck so that they won't sag and provides something for the urethra to compress against to help prevent leakage.

To perform the procedure, your surgeon makes an incision in your lower abdomen or performs the surgery through small incisions using thin instruments and a video camera (laparoscopic surgery).

Your surgeon secures stitches (sutures) in the tissue near the bladder neck.

For bladder neck suspension performed abdominally, you'll need general or spinal anesthesia. Recovery takes several weeks, and you might need to use a urinary catheter until you can urinate normally. Recovery time is likely to be shorter with laparoscopic surgery.