Maybe you are interested in surgery for your leaking. You’ve decided you are ready (if you aren’t, check out my post on things to consider while getting ready). But as you make the decision to move forward, you want to know what to expect after surgery. Few of us have surgery frequently and the idea is often frightening. So what can you expect while you recover after a midurethral sling surgery for bladder leaking?
Everyone is a little different
Know that surgery and recovery are a different experience for everyone. And there is a range of experiences that are normal. Women that have medical diagnoses such as fibromyalgia or a history of trauma frequently have more pain after surgery. And recovery, even after a small procedure like a sling surgery, is always impacted by your social support. Women with a good social support system always have an easier road after surgery. Trying to manage your daily life- family, kids and work- on top of recovering from surgery is a daunting task.
Right after surgery
A sling surgery, when done without other procedures, takes less than one hour to perform. It is almost always done as an outpatient, meaning that you go home on the same day. You will recover for a few hours after the sling surgery in the hospital or surgery center. During this time, you will wake up from anesthesia and the nursing staff will evaluate pain and nausea. It can be harder to empty your bladder when recovering from a sling surgery, so it is important to make sure that you are emptying well before you go home. Some women have trouble emptying for 24-48 hours. Once you are feeling well and emptying well, you will be sent home.
Recovery when you are at home after sling surgery
While you recover after the sling surgery, you will be able to take care of yourself at home. Most women experience pain behind the pubic bone. Many will describe this like significant period cramps. Heat and over the counter pain medication like ibuprofen and tylenol should control the pain well.
You will have some vaginal bleeding for a week or two after surgery. This is common but it should not be heavy. You may also notice significant bruising around your pubic bone. If the bleeding is heavy or increases, you should contact your physician.
A surgery for leaking almost always changes the way that you empty. It is common to feel like your urine stream is a little slower or takes a second longer to start. All of this is normal. It should not be hard to empty. If you are having trouble emptying, contact your surgeon. In <4% of cases, the sling can be placed too tightly and may need to be loosened. Urinary tract infections after sling surgery are common. If you have burning with urination of frequency, you should be evaluated.
Every surgeon has slightly different activity restrictions after surgery. I ask my patient to avoid any heavy exercise (like running or cross fit) for 2 weeks after surgery. After that, I set them free. The only other restriction is no bathes for two weeks and nothing in the vagina for 4-6 weeks.
I usually ask my patients to take a few days off from work. For example, if we do surgery on a Friday, you should be ready for work on Monday. You will recover quickly after a sling surgery. And, you should notice a dramatic improvement in your leaking right away!
Dmochowski RR et al Update of AUA guideline on the surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence J Urol 2010;183:1906-14.
