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Overcoming Urinary Incontinence: What You Should Know About Laparoscopic Burch Surgery

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Urinary incontinence is a common problem that many women experience, particularly after childbirth or menopause. 

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 25% of young women, 44-57% of middle-aged and postmenopausal women, and up to 75% of older women experience urinary incontinence.

It can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition, causing many women to feel self-conscious and avoid social situations. Fortunately, there is a solution called Laparoscopic Burch surgery that can help eliminate urinary incontinence and give women their confidence back.

What is laparoscopic Burch surgery?

Laparoscopic Burch surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves placing sutures or stitches in the tissue near the bladder neck to provide support. This support helps to prevent urine leakage during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

Unlike traditional surgery, laparoscopic Burch surgery is done through small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon uses a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera attached, to guide the procedure. This minimally invasive approach reduces scarring, pain, and recovery time compared to traditional surgery. It also avoids using mesh to support the bladder, like sling surgery, another form of treatment for urinary incontinence.

The benefits of laparoscopic Burch surgery.

Laparoscopic Burch surgery is considered the best option for incontinence in women for several reasons:

  1. High Success Rate: Studies have shown that laparoscopic Burch surgery has a high success rate, with up to 90% of women experiencing significant reduction or complete resolution of their urinary incontinence symptoms.

  2. Long-Term Solution: Laparoscopic Burch surgery provides a long-term solution to incontinence in women. Unlike other treatments like medication or pelvic floor exercises, laparoscopic Burch surgery offers permanent support to the bladder neck, reducing the risk of urine leakage.

  3. Minimally Invasive: Laparoscopic Burch surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it requires smaller incisions, less anesthesia, and a shorter hospital stay. This leads to a quicker recovery time and less postoperative pain than traditional surgery.

  4. Low Risk of Complications: Laparoscopic Burch surgery has a low risk of complications, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. The procedure has been performed safely for many years with few adverse effects.

  5. Improved Quality of Life: Laparoscopic Burch surgery can improve women's quality of life by eliminating the embarrassment and discomfort associated with urinary incontinence. Women can engage in physical activities and social situations without fear of leakage, leading to a more fulfilling life.

If you're considering laparoscopic Burch surgery for urinary incontinence, it's important to speak with your doctor to determine if it's the right option for you. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and medical history to determine if the procedure's appropriate. They can also discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with you and any potential complications.

We're here to help.

At the Kaldas Center, we're dedicated to guiding you on your health journey, ensuring that every step is rooted in knowledge, compassion, and hope. Schedule an appointment, and we'll do everything we can to answer your questions and chart a path back to living confidently and comfortably.

Call the Kaldas Center at 920-886-2299. 

References:

  1. Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension for Stress Incontinence, BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

  2. Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension for Urinary Stress Incontinence, National Center for Biotechnology Information.

  3. Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension for Stress Incontinence, Cochrane Review.