Mid-Uretheral Sling

Mid-urethral sling (also known as tape) procedures are operations designed to help women with stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is the leakage of urine with everyday activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise. It is a very common and embarrassing problem affecting up to 1 in 3 women. Stress incontinence may be cured or improved with pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle modifications, but if these strategies fail, then surgery may be recommended. The most frequently offered type of operation is a mid-urethral sling procedure, a simple day case procedure that has been performed for more than 3 million women worldwide.

The operation involves placing a sling of polypropylene mesh (suture material that is woven together – about 1 cm wide) between the middle portion of the urethra and the skin of the vagina. The urethra is the pipe through which the bladder empties. Normally the muscle and ligaments which support the urethra close firmly when straining or exercising to prevent leakage. Damage or weakening of these structures by childbirth and/or the aging process can result in this mechanism failing, leading to urine leakage. Placing a sling underneath the urethra improves the support and reduces or stops leaking.