Sling surgery, also known as sling procedure or sling operation, is a medical intervention used to treat certain types of urinary incontinence, specifically stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. SUI is a condition characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.
The sling surgery involves the placement of a synthetic mesh-like sling or tape under the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The sling acts as a support to the urethra, providing additional stability and preventing urine leakage when intra-abdominal pressure increases.
There are different types of slings used in sling surgery, including mid-urethral slings (MUS) and retropubic slings. Mid-urethral slings are the most common and minimally invasive approach, typically inserted through small incisions in the vagina or lower abdomen.
« Back to Glossary Index