Device prevents urinary incontinence after pelvic-floor surgery

Researchers from the Loyola University Health System (LUHS) recently discovered a device that can prevent incontinence in women who undergo a common pelvic-floor surgery. Women who underwent surgery because of pelvic organ prolapse are at risk for urinary incontinence, so thus surgeons add a midurethral sling during surgery. In this study, half of 322 women received a midurethral sling and the other half received sham incisions. Results showed that the rate of urinary incontinence was lower in the sling group than in the sham group, but observed higher rates of side effects like bladder perforations, urinary-tract infections, major bleeding complications and incomplete bladder emptying. No changes in overall health, other pelvic-floor symptoms, sexual function and pain, were observed in both groups. Women need to be informed on the risks and benefits of prolapse surgery prior to the procedure.