Bladder Neck Bulking for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Bladder Neck Bulking for Stress Urinary Incontinence - Overview

This treatments helps to reduce stress urinary incontinence by strengthening the sphincter (muscle at the outlet of the bladder) with bulking material. This helps the muscle to stay closed during physical activity, or when you cough or sneeze.‍

Who will this treatment be recommended to?

You will often be recommended pelvic floor exercises before offered this treatment. If these are unsuccessful surgery may be required. Alternative treatments will also be discussed with your urogynaecologist.

How do I perform these exercises?

Your pelvic muscles can be strengthened with kegel exercises, helping to reduce the extent of vaginal prolapse. To perform these exercises, tighten your pelvic muscles as if you are trying to hold back urine. Hold the muscles tight for a few seconds and then release. Repeat this 10 times. You can do this up to four times a day and these exercises can be done anywhere. For more information please click here.

How effective is Bladder Neck Bulking?

Bladder Neck Bulking may not completely stop stress incontinence but should improve it. Some patients may find they need multiple treatments before stress incontinence is cured. In this case you can have a second treatment between 4 and 6 weeks. The effects of treatment can also wear off for some people after a few years and the treatment may need to be performed again.

Risks of Bladder Neck Bulking:

Risks/Complications

• Unsuccessful Treatment - This treatment is unsuccessful for 50% of women. However, injections can be repeated for increased chance of success.
• Difficulty emptying the bladder - Around 5% of women experience issues emptying their bladder following treatment. In this case you will be sent home with a catheter to empty the bladder for up to a week. The difficulty should subside after this period. If not, options will be provided.
• Bladder Problems - Incontinence usually improves following surgery, but can sometimes become worse.

Pre/Post Procedure Instructions:

What happens before my surgery?

A pre-assessment appointment, a few days prior to your procedure, may also be required. This can involve having blood tests and a general health check-up. This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions about your surgery.

What should I expect following my procedure?

You should be able to go home the same day as your procedure, before this:

• Once you can eat drink and pass urine comfortably you can go home.
• Catheter - You may need a catheter to drain the bladder - you can go home with a catheter for up to a week.

Recovery:

• You should be able to continue normal life, including sexual intercourse, but may feel an increased urge to go the toilet. You will be called 4-6 weeks after your procedure to assess whether you need another injection.