Sling & Surgical Repair for Incontinence, London
Surgical treatment may be considered when stress urinary incontinence continues despite pelvic floor rehabilitation or less invasive options. Procedures can restore support around the urethra, helping reduce leakage during coughing, laughing, lifting or exercise.
Options differ for women and men. Your consultant will explain whether surgery is appropriate for you, which procedure may be suitable and what the recovery process could involve.
What does surgery for stress incontinence involve?
Stress urinary incontinence is leakage that happens when pressure on the bladder increases, for example during coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercise.
If pelvic floor rehabilitation or minimally invasive treatments have not provided enough improvement, surgery may offer a longer-lasting option. The aim is to restore support around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, so it remains closed more effectively during physical activity.
For women, this may involve a sling procedure to support the urethra, or another established surgical technique. Your consultant will discuss the approaches that may be appropriate, including the likely benefits and considerations of each.
For men, stress incontinence often develops after prostate surgery. Surgical options may include a male sling or an artificial urinary sphincter. An artificial urinary sphincter is an implanted device that allows the wearer to control the flow of urine.
As with any operation, surgery involves potential benefits and trade-offs. Your consultant will assess whether it is the right next step and explain the most suitable options for your circumstances.
Restoring support and control
Surgical treatment for stress incontinence works in several established ways.
Sling procedures
A sling supports the urethra, helping it remain closed when pressure increases and reducing stress leakage.
Artificial urinary sphincter
For suitable men, an implanted device can help restore control over urine flow, often following prostate surgery.
Longer-lasting results
Surgery may offer a durable treatment option when conservative and less invasive approaches have not helped enough.
Who bladder sling surgery may suit
Surgery may be considered for people who:
- Have stress urinary incontinence that persists despite other treatment
- Would like to discuss a longer-lasting treatment option
- Are medically suitable for a procedure
- Understand the potential benefits, risks and recovery considerations of surgery
What to expect
- Assessment
Your consultant will confirm the type of incontinence and assess whether surgery may be appropriate. This may include urodynamic testing, which assesses how the bladder stores and releases urine. - Informed discussion
Your consultant will explain the suitable surgical options, including their potential benefits, risks and recovery. This gives you the information needed to decide whether surgery is right for you. - Surgery and recovery
If you choose to proceed, your consultant will explain the procedure, recovery period and follow-up plan, with support throughout.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for bladder sling surgery in London?
Durable solution
Surgery may provide longer-lasting improvement when pelvic floor rehabilitation and minimally invasive treatment have not been enough.
Options for women and men
Established procedures are available for women, while male sling surgery and artificial urinary sphincter treatment may be considered for men.
Treatment matched to the cause
Surgery is recommended only after assessment confirms that stress incontinence is the main cause of your leakage.
Honest, consultant-led advice
Your consultant will explain the benefits and trade-offs clearly, helping you decide whether surgery is the appropriate next step.
From investigation to treatment
Evaluation confirms that stress incontinence is the primary cause of leakage. Tests such as urodynamics may be used to guide this.
Not every patient with leakage needs surgery. Treatment is recommended only when conservative measures have not been effective and when benefits are likely to outweigh risks.
Surgery is matched to your anatomy, previous treatments and personal priorities.
Frequently asked questions
When is surgery recommended for stress incontinence?
Surgery may be considered if stress incontinence continues despite pelvic floor rehabilitation and less invasive treatment. Your consultant will assess whether it is appropriate, often using urodynamic testing where needed.
What are the surgical options for men?
For men with stress incontinence, often after prostate surgery, options can include a male sling or an artificial urinary sphincter. Your consultant will explain which approach may be suitable for you.
Is the result permanent?
Surgery aims to provide a durable, longer-lasting result. However, outcomes vary and no procedure can guarantee a permanent result. Your consultant will explain the likely benefits and potential limitations before you decide.
What is recovery like?
Recovery depends on the specific procedure. Your consultant will provide clear advice about activity, work, lifting, wound care and follow-up.
Discuss whether surgery is right for you
If stress urinary incontinence is still affecting your daily life despite other treatment, our consultant urologists can help you understand whether surgery may be an appropriate next step.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
