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Incontinence Surgeries

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  1. See Real Patient Transformations
  2. What Are Incontinence Surgeries?
  3. Incontinence Surgery Recovery
  4. Schedule A Consultation

Feeling like we are not in control of our bodies can be a very frustrating experience, especially when it comes to our bladder. Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder are very common problems among women, but no matter how many people suffer from this condition, it doesn’t make it any less difficult. Feelings of embarrassment often accompany conditions like stress incontinence, but you should not feel ashamed. Dr. Darren Lazare treats issues of urinary incontinence symptoms with compassion, care, and effectiveness, restoring his patients’ pelvic floor control and confidence.

BEFORE & AFTERS

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Our procedures place an emphasis on natural-looking results that empower our patients to embrace their inner and outer beauty. Our gallery of before and after photos showcases the exceptional results achieved by Dr. Darren Lazare.

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WHAT DOES IT TREAT?

Incontinence surgeries are designed to keep the urethra closed when pressure is exerted and can include techniques such as supporting the urethra and bladder neck.

Urinary incontinence, also called stress urinary incontinence, is a condition defined as the loss of bladder control when pressure is exerted on the bladder. This can occur in instances of coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or simply lifting something heavy.

I cannot begin to express how delighted I am with the decision I made in choosing Dr. Lazare as my surgeon. The entire experience from beginning to end has been superb. His office staff are professional, helpful and friendly.

Julia M.

Dr. Lazare and his team were amazing. They were supportive and helpful. The surgery I had went smoothly and the results were exactly as I had hoped. I definitely recommend Dr. Lazare!

Kristen G.

He is a wonderful skilled specialist with excellent bedside manners and is very knowledgeable, professional and personable. I recovered well with no complications and have my life back. Thank you, Thank You Dr. Lazare, and also to Kim in the office who is very helpful and contacts you with anything you might need to know.

Anonymous
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What are Incontinence Surgeries?

Dr. Darren Lazare performs the following incontinence surgeries:

Urethral Bulking

Urethral bulking is a urinary incontinence surgery designed to help those suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge incontinence in a less invasive way than other surgical interventions. During this procedure, a bulking agent composed of various different water-based gel materials, most commonly collagen, is injected into the urethra to narrow the opening. The narrowed opening allows for less urine leakage to occur.

Retropubic Sling TVT

A retropubic TVT sling stands for tension-free vaginal tape and serves as a hammock that supports your bladder muscles and urethra while also keeping the urethra closed. During TVT sling surgery, the tape is inserted through tiny incisions in your abdomen and vaginal wall. The tape is placed under the urethra and acts as a sling, holding the urethra in place and closed. No stitches are required to hold the tape in place.

Retropubic Sling Autologous Fascia

This form of incontinence surgery relies on a similar technique to that of the TVT sling by placing the sling under the urethra to offer support. The sling can be placed at the mid-urethra or by the bladder, but does not use any synthetic material. Rather, your own connective tissues, called “fascia,” are used as the sling. The tissue is usually taken from an area on your body, like the thigh or belly.

Incontinence Surgery Recovery

Recovery following urethral bulking is very minimal. Patients can usually return to work the day following their procedure, but will need to exercise caution engaging in strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least two weeks. Incontinence treated with a sling procedure requires around 2 weeks of initial recovery. After this amount of time, individuals are usually able to return to work but must abstain from strenuous exercise, lifting, and sexual intercourse for 4-6 weeks. It can take up to 3 months for your muscles to fully repair after a sling surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about incontinence surgeries and if these interventions are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Darren Lazare today. Head to our website to fill out an online contact form, and to get in touch with a member of our team.

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Candidates for Incontinence Surgeries

Ideal candidates for incontinence surgeries include individuals suffering from the effects of stress urinary incontinence, including leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects. Candidates should consider the level of invasiveness they desire for their procedure, including the associated recovery. Candidates for autologous fascia sling surgery should be okay with going under general anesthesia for their procedure and should prepare for a longer recovery. Candidates desiring a procedure with the least amount of recovery and invasiveness would do well to pursue a urethral bulking procedure. Candidates seeking a procedure and recovery that lies somewhere between an autologous fascia sling surgery and a urethral bulking procedure may find that a TVT sling is just right for them. All candidates should be in good overall health and should have realistic expectations regarding the results.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You Have Questions, We Have Answers.

What are the risk factors for developing urinary incontinence?

Risk factors for developing urinary incontinence include aging, childbirth, obesity, the use of certain medications, and neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinsons disease.

Can urinary incontinence procedures completely cure the condition?

Many urinary incontinence procedures can significantly improve symptoms, but complete cure rates vary. Its essential to discuss expectations and potential outcomes with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment approach. No procedure offers a complete guarantee.

How do I know which urinary incontinence procedure is right for me?

The choice of urinary incontinence procedure depends on factors such as the type and severity of incontinence, overall health, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Dr. Darren Lazare can evaluate your circumstances and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

Are there any lifestyle changes or additional therapies that can complement urinary incontinence procedures?

Yes, lifestyle modifications such as bladder training, dietary adjustments, weight management, and pelvic floor exercises can help the results of urinary incontinence procedures and improve overall treatment outcomes. Additionally, certain medications or devices may be used in conjunction with procedures to enhance effectiveness.

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or feces, which can occur in varying degrees. It affects millions of people and can significantly impact their quality of life, leading to emotional and social challenges. Urinary incontinence specifically refers to the loss of bladder control, resulting in unexpected urine leakage.

What are the common types of urinary incontinence?

The most common types of urinary incontinence include: Stress Incontinence: Leakage occurs during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising. Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate results in involuntary leakage. Overflow Incontinence: The bladder does not empty completely, leading to frequent dribbling of urine. Functional Incontinence: Physical or cognitive impairments prevent timely access to the bathroom.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Several factors can contribute to urinary incontinence, including: Weakened pelvic floor muscles Nerve damage Urinary tract infections Hormonal changes (especially during menopause) Certain medications Obesity Chronic conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider, including a review of medical history and symptoms. Patients may be asked to keep a urinary diary detailing fluid intake and urination patterns. Physical examinations and tests such as urinalysis or bladder function tests may also be conducted to determine the type and cause of incontinence.

What treatment options are available for managing incontinence?

Treatment options vary based on the type and severity of incontinence and may include: Behavioral therapies: Bladder training and pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises). Medications: Anticholinergics for overactive bladder or topical estrogen for post-menopausal women. Devices: Pessaries or absorbent products for managing symptoms. Surgery: Procedures like midurethral sling surgery for stress incontinence or injections for urge incontinence.

What types of surgeries are available for treating urinary incontinence?

There are several surgical options available for treating urinary incontinence, including: Sling Procedures: These involve placing a mesh or tissue sling under the urethra to provide support and prevent leakage during activities. Colposuspension: This surgery lifts and supports the bladder neck to prevent involuntary leaks. Bulking Agents: Injectable materials are placed around the urethra to help close it and reduce leakage. Artificial Urinary Sphincter: This device is implanted to help control urination by mimicking the function of a healthy sphincter.

How long does it typically take to recover from incontinence surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Generally, patients can expect to return to light activities within a few days, but full recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and sexual intercourse until cleared by their healthcare provider.

Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital after incontinence surgery?

Whether an overnight stay is required depends on the specific procedure and individual patient factors. Many sling procedures and bulking injections can be performed as outpatient surgeries, allowing patients to go home the same day. However, more complex surgeries, such as colposuspension or artificial urinary sphincter implantation, may require an overnight hospital stay for observation.

What should I expect during the recovery process after incontinence surgery?

During recovery, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising at the surgical site. It is common to have temporary difficulty with urination or mild leakage until healing progresses. Patients should follow their surgeons post-operative instructions regarding activity restrictions, pain management, and follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery.

Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with incontinence surgery?

While many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms after surgery, potential long-term effects can include recurrence of incontinence, urinary retention, or complications related to the surgical procedure itself (such as infection or mesh erosion). Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential for monitoring any ongoing issues and ensuring optimal outcomes.

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Dr. Arko Demianzuk

Dr. Darren Lazare

Restorative Gynecology Surgeon | BLOG

Dr. Darren Lazare received his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia. He successfully completed his subspecialty fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Alberta. Dr. Lazare has been appointed as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia where he is the residency supervisor for the urogynecology program. He is a Surgeon Champion for the American College of Surgeon’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). He is a committed advocate for women’s health, medical education and quality improvement initiatives while maintaining a full clinical, reconstructive and cosmetic practice. Dr. Lazare’s professional memberships include the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Canadian Society of Pelvic Medicine, the International Urogynecology Association, the International Continence Society and the American Urogynecology Society.

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