Mike, A Sling Solution For Men
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in October of 2005 and presented with options, I decided to have the prostate removed laproscopically. The surgeon explained beforehand some of the post-operative risks, one being a 2-5% chance of suffering from permanent urinary incontinence. The overwhelming number of patients have only temporary incontinence, I was told, which eventually disappears within a few months. Unfortunately, my symptoms remained.
After two years of hoping that I would regain full continence, I decided to become more proactive and do something about my situation. I contacted the National Association For Continence for guidance and information. The Executive Director was very helpful to me and explained some of my options and furnished the names of urologists in my area. I consulted three different doctors specializing in treating incontinence. Since my condition was considered “moderate,” I decided on having a male sling inserted, a less invasive procedure than having a prosthetic sphincter implanted. As explained to me, a sling is a small, mesh-like device inserted behind the scrotum which “tightens” the pelvic floor, thereby reducing or eliminating leakage resulting from urinary incontinence. It is a painless, relatively short procedure (30-40 minutes), done in a hospital with an overnight stay, and requiring the use of a catheter for about 24 hours.
After the removal of the catheter, I did and still do have some urinary issues. I do not have the same strength of flow that I did before the operation. Sometimes, there is some difficulty in initiating a stream, but it still comes. Also, I have to be careful to completely empty my bladder to avoid an “after-spurt.” Still, it’s no big deal. Why? Because I am DRY! A completely worthwhile trade-off. My operation was successful because, again, I am completely DRY!
There is no reason to endure urinary incontinence after a prostatectomy if it doesn’t disappear naturally afterwards. Contact the NAFC for help and guidance.
