Article written by Dr Henry, urological surgeon at the Private Hospital of Antony (Paris)

The insertion of a suburethral sling makes it possible to permanently treat stress urinary incontinence. It should be noted that this type of incontinence most often manifests itself during the practice of physical activities, the performance of any physical effort or during a sneeze, laughter or cough. In such cases, simple everyday movements like walking or changing position can cause urine to leak involuntarily.

The treatment aims to prevent these leaks by placing a small strip 1 cm wide and 10 cm long, under the urethra. It is designed in synthetic material, more precisely with braided polypropylene filaments and is presented as a hammock intended to support the urethra in case of effort. It acts as a mechanical lock and thus helps prevent urinary incontinence. Today there is a wide choice of strips and application methods. It is the surgeon who, depending on the patient’s pathology and her application habits, will apply the most suitable strip.

You should know that the installation of the sling is not a standard solution that is suitable for all women with urinary incontinence. Only the surgeon can recommend the choice of this management. Before any prescription, he will take the time to examine his patient and in most cases, he will ask for a with urodynamique. This test measures the level of pressure in the urinary tract. It may also be supplemented by other examinations if the surgeon considers it useful to have more data for his decision-making.

The use of tape placement generally offers an excellent tolerance rate and does not give rise to any rejection phenomenon. The risk of infections is also minimal and the procedure is simple and painless. It is one of the most effective alternatives for lasting treatment of stress incontinence problems.