The use of midurethral sling for the treatment of urinary incontinence

Abstract

Over 200 million people worldwide suffer from urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence in women occurs frequently from middle age onward and is associated with a reduced quality of life. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is leakage of urine during sneezing, coughing, physical exercise, lifting, bending or even changing positions. These are all events that cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. SUI occurs when bladder pressure exceeds urethral pressure, in the setting of sudden increases of intra-abdominal forces. SUI affects upward of 40% of American women. The placement of the midurethral sling theoretically corrects inadequate urethral support. After a thorough understanding of potential complications, a patient may benefit from this safe and effective procedure that can improve a woman’s quality of life.