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A. The male sling is a treatment for male stress urinary incontinence. It involves placement of a synthetic sling that supports the waterpipe (urethra). The procedure will involve a cystoscopic examination of the urethra and bladder and an incision in the area behind the scrotum (perineum), with two further small cuts in the groin crease.
A. The alternatives include:
A. If you are taking blood thinning medication on a regular basis, you must discuss this with your urologist because these drugs can cause increased bleeding after surgery. There may be a balance of risk where stopping them will reduce the chances of bleeding but this can result in increased clotting, which may also carry a risk to your health. This will, therefore, need careful discussion with regard to risks and benefits. Aspirin does not usually need to be stopped but will be the decision of your surgeon.
You will usually be admitted on the same day as your surgery, or a day before. You will normally undergo pre assessment on the day of your clinic. After admission, you will be seen by members of the medical team which may include the consultant, junior urology doctors and nurse.
You will be asked not to eat or drink for six hours before surgery and, immediately before the operation, you may be given a pre-medication by the anaesthetist which will make you dry-mouthed and pleasantly sleepy.
Please be sure to inform your urologist in advance of your surgery if you have any of the following:
A. You will have a small incision in the area between the scrotum and anus (the perineum) and two further small cuts in the groin crease. The sling will sit in this area. You will also have a urinary catheter placed.
A. You will be given fluids to drink from an early stage after the operation and you will be encouraged to mobilise as soon as you are comfortable to prevent blood clots forming in your legs. You will be given intravenous antibiotics through your vein. You will normally be discharged the day after your operation, usually after your catheter has been removed.
A. Most procedures have a potential for side effects. You should be reassured that, although all these complications are well recognised, the majority of patients do not suffer any problems after a urological procedure.
Common (greater than one in 10)
Occasional (between one in 10 and one in 50)
Rare (less than one in 50)
A. It is important to undertake light duties for six weeks following surgery. This will help prevent any sling slippage which may affect the efficacy of the sling.
A. Men who undergo surgery in the perineum (between the anus and the scrotum) may find it easier to sit with your weight shifted onto your one of your buttocks. You may find it more comfortable to sit using an air-filled donut, soft cushion or another type of pillow, especially for the first four weeks after surgery.
Any activity that requires you to straddle anything, such as riding a bicycle, motorcycle or a horse should be avoided for four to six weeks.