Transvaginal Sling

A transvaginal sling is a procedure that involves placing a supporting strip of material under you bladder and securing it to the abdominal wall or pelvic bone to help relieve urinary incontinence.

Preparing for Surgery – Things you should know:

1. You will be admitted to the hospital the day of your surgery. You will spend 1-3 days in the hospital. Some patients may be admitted 24 hours prior to surgery.
2. If you are on COUMADIN, ASPIRIN, IBUPROPHEN, of drugs for ARTHRITIS or INFLAMATION, please notify our office.
3. If you take blood pressure medication you may take it with a sip of water the morning of your surgery. You should continue routine medications up to the time of surgery with the exception of the above mentioned medications which thin the blood.
4. If you take antibiotics prior to dental work or have an orthopedic prosthesis, or if you were told by another physician to take antibiotics prior to surgery, please let your doctor know.
5. No eating or drinking after midnight the night before your surgery except for blood pressure or medications as mentioned above. No alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery. After midnight do not consume any solid foods.
6. You will be receiving anesthesia for this surgery. You will see an anesthesiologist who will discuss this with you prior to surgery. Risks of the surgery include but are not limited to complications from general anesthetic, bleeding, infection, urinary retention, and continued urinary incontinence.

Recovering from surgery – What to expect:

1. You will awaken from surgery with a catheter which drains urine from your bladder.
2. You will be given pain medications in the hospital to relieve your discomfort. You will be given antibiotics for a few days. Please take all your medication.

Diet:

There are no dietary restrictions, we encourage you to increase your fluid intake.

Activity:

1. Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for one month. We recommend you limit lifting to 35 pounds or less for lifetime to prevent the operation from breaking down.
2. It is OK to shower after discharge from the hospital. No baths until you are seen in follow-up.
3. It is OK to climb stairs when discharged from the hospital.
4. Walking is good exercise and it improves circulation. Do not overdo it! Go easy at first and slowly increase the distance as you feel better. In the long run exercise will help improve fitness and manage weight. Staying at a healthy weight will help the operation last longer.
5. Avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least six weeks to give time to heal.
6. No sexual activity for 4-6 weeks.
7. Driving – No driving for one week or until seen in follow up.
8. If you smoke, now is a good time to stop.

Pain Medication:

You may be given a prescription for a pain medication when discharged from the hospital. As your activity increases you may experience a period of increased soreness. This is normal.

Antibiotics:

You may be given a prescription for antibiotics to be taken at home when discharged from the hospital. Please take all of your prescribed medication.

Bowels:

One should avoid straining during a bowel movement. You may be given a stool softener to promote regular bowel movements. Over the counter Milk of Magnesia 30 cc is recommended if your stools are hard CATHETER: You may go home with a catheter. The catheter may be either supra-pubic (a tube coming directly out of your bladder through the belly) or in the urethra. A small number of women have some difficulty urinating on their own after surgery but this typically resolves as the inflammation from the operation gets better. If you are sent home with a catheter you will be instructed on catheter care and how and when the catheter will be taken out. You may experience some leakage around the catheter, this is normal. Always make sure the tubes are not kinked so the urine drains from the bladder freely.

Follow up:

Call our office to make an appointment 1-2 weeks after your surgery. South 747-3147 North 483-6449 Valley 924-1040