Colposuspension Procedure in Reading
The Forbury Clinic’s consultant‑led urology service provides specialist assessment and surgical care, including colposuspension for women with stress incontinence. Our experienced surgeons offer clear advice, precise surgery and compassionate aftercare to support your recovery and wellbeing.
Overview of Colposuspension Procedure
A colposuspension procedure is a type of surgical treatment used to correct stress urinary incontinence – the leaking of urine that can occur when coughing, sneezing, exercising or laughing. It works by lifting and supporting the neck of the bladder, helping it close properly during physical activity. For many women, colposuspension offers long‑term improvement and restores daily confidence after non‑surgical treatments have not provided relief.
Colposuspension is a women’s urology operation designed to treat stress urinary incontinence by supporting the tissues that help close the bladder outlet. During the procedure, the surgeon lifts the neck of the bladder and secures it to supportive tissue behind the pubic bone. This creates gentle upward support, reducing leakage when pressure is placed on the abdomen.
Colposuspension can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, depending on individual circumstances and surgical preference.
How Does Colposuspension Treat Stress Urinary Incontinence?
Stress incontinence occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra weaken, often due to childbirth, menopause or age. This weakness prevents the urethra from closing tightly when pressure increases.
By elevating and anchoring the bladder neck, colposuspension restores the normal anatomical position so that the urethra closes more effectively during coughing, sneezing or exercise. The procedure directly addresses the mechanical cause of leakage, making it particularly effective for women whose main symptom is stress incontinence rather than urgency or overactive bladder.
How Long Does Colposuspension Surgery Take?
A typical colposuspension surgery lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the technique used and any other procedures being performed at the same time. It is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, and hospital stays often last one to two days.
What Is the Recovery Time After Colposuspension?
Most women return home within a couple of days of surgery. You will be advised to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for about four to six weeks to allow internal healing. Mild discomfort, swelling or bladder irritation is common initially but improves as recovery progresses.
Your urology specialist will provide personalised recovery advice, including gentle exercises and follow‑up appointments to ensure normal bladder function has returned. Most patients can return to work and moderate activities after about two to four weeks, depending on the type of job and individual recovery rate.
How Successful Is Colposuspension Long Term?
Colposuspension is a well‑established and reliable operation with high long‑term success rates. Studies show that around 70% of women experience significant or complete resolution of stress incontinence symptoms even years after surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight, practising pelvic floor exercises and avoiding constipation can all help preserve long‑term results.
Why Choose The Forbury Clinic?
Your care is consultant‑led from the very first appointment at The Forbury Clinic. Our experienced urology team provides clear assessment, individualised treatment planning and precise surgical care in a comfortable, private environment. We prioritise safety, clear communication and long‑term quality of life for women affected by urinary incontinence.
Colposuspension Procedure FAQs
- How does colposuspension differ from sling surgery?
Colposuspension lifts the bladder neck using the body’s own supportive tissue, whereas sling procedures use a synthetic mesh or strip of tissue under the urethra. Both treat stress incontinence but use different approaches depending on individual anatomy and surgeon recommendation.
- What are the risks of colposuspension surgery?
As with any surgery, possible risks include infection, bleeding or temporary difficulty passing urine. Most complications are uncommon and resolve with appropriate care. Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks before the procedure.
- When can normal activities be resumed?
Light activity can usually be restarted within two weeks, but you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks. Your doctor will confirm when it’s safe to resume driving, work and physical activity.
- Is colposuspension effective after childbirth?
Yes. Many women who develop stress incontinence following pregnancy or childbirth benefit significantly from this procedure once conservative treatments (such as pelvic floor exercises) are no longer effective.