Urological Sling Surgery: Scars and Potential Complications

Ligation surgery

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about my ligament, which I suspect may have torn in the past but I didn't notice until recently when I started experiencing pain.
I have seen a physician who mentioned that I need to remove the damaged tissue and stitch up the healthy tissue.
Will there be visible scarring after this surgery? Also, what are the potential complications associated with this type of surgery?

km, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/01/14

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, any wound or surgery will inevitably result in a scar, although the size of the scar may vary.
If there is pain, it could be due to irregular scarring that has led to the proliferation of granulation tissue.
This tissue can be excised using laser or surgical instruments, and the re-closed wound will be smaller and less painful.

Reply Date: 2011/01/14

More Info

Urological sling surgery is a procedure often performed to treat urinary incontinence, particularly in women. It involves placing a mesh or tape under the mid-urethra to provide support and prevent involuntary leakage of urine. While this surgery can significantly improve quality of life, it is essential to understand the potential complications and the nature of scarring that may occur post-surgery.

Scarring After Surgery:
Every surgical procedure will result in some degree of scarring, as the body needs to heal after incisions are made. In the case of urological sling surgery, the incisions are typically small and made in the vaginal area or lower abdomen, depending on the specific technique used. The visibility of scars can vary based on several factors, including the surgical technique, the skill of the surgeon, and individual healing processes. Generally, the incisions made during sling surgery are designed to be minimally invasive, which often results in less noticeable scars compared to more extensive surgeries. Over time, many scars fade and become less prominent, but they may still be visible, especially if the healing process is complicated by infection or poor wound care.

Potential Complications:
While urological sling surgery is considered safe, there are potential complications that patients should be aware of:
1. Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the incision site or within the urinary tract. Proper hygiene and following post-operative care instructions can help mitigate this risk.

2. Pain: Some patients may experience chronic pain in the pelvic region after surgery. This can be due to nerve irritation or the sling itself causing discomfort.

3. Urinary Retention: In some cases, the sling may be too tight, leading to difficulty in urinating. This may require additional procedures to adjust or remove the sling.

4. Erosion: There is a risk that the mesh material used in the sling can erode into surrounding tissues, which can cause pain, bleeding, or urinary issues. If erosion occurs, further surgical intervention may be necessary.

5. Bladder or Bowel Injury: Although rare, there is a possibility of injury to nearby organs during the surgery, which may require additional treatment.

6. Recurrence of Incontinence: While many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms, some may find that their urinary incontinence returns over time.

7. Emotional and Psychological Impact: The experience of undergoing surgery and dealing with complications can lead to emotional distress. It is essential to have a support system in place and to communicate openly with healthcare providers about any concerns.

Conclusion:
If you are considering urological sling surgery, it is crucial to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about the potential risks and benefits. Understanding the likelihood of scarring and the possible complications can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, following pre-operative and post-operative care instructions can significantly influence your recovery and overall satisfaction with the procedure. If you have any concerns about the surgery or your specific situation, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or consult with a specialist in urology.

Similar Q&A

Post-Operative Recovery After Urethral Sling Surgery: What to Expect

Hello Dr. Hsu, I recently underwent a white membrane folding surgery not long ago, and I have been experiencing a dull, stabbing pain postoperatively. I came across previous articles indicating that others have had similar issues. However, I noticed in your published articles tha...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Mr. Jiang: Hello, the main issue is that the white membrane fibers are quite coarse and require strong tension. Generally, a wound takes about 6-8 weeks to regain approximately 80% of its original strength. Scar pain is usually caused by the suture ends, and after tissue repair, ...

Understanding Urethral Reconstruction Surgery: Challenges and Solutions

I would like to inquire about urethral reconstruction surgery. I had a car accident six years ago, which resulted in injuries to my pelvis and urethra. At that time, a temporary stoma was created, which was closed about six months later. Although I experienced some narrowing afte...

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: If urethral stricture is inappropriate, a dilation procedure is certainly necessary. However, if the recurrence is too rapid or frequent, then reconstructive surgery...

Understanding Urethral Reconstruction Surgery: Risks and Concerns

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about urethral reconstruction surgery. After excising the narrowed portion, the proximal and distal ends are joined together. What potential complications might arise from this surgery? Is there a possibility of recurrence of the stricture? Will...

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: Regarding urethral reconstruction surgery, it is not as straightforward as you might think. If the segment of the urethra that is narrowed is too long to stabilize d...

Understanding Urethral Cysts: Risks, Surgery, and What to Expect

Hello, Dr. Pan. I have had a small protrusion (approximately 0.6 cm by 0.3 cm) at the junction of the urethral meatus and the frenulum since childhood. When I press it with my finger, a substance that appears to be liquid disappears, but it returns to its protruded state once I r...

Dr. Pan Zhenqin reply Urology
It sounds like you have a urethral cyst, or a small blister. It's a minor procedure performed under local anesthesia, which carries minimal risk unless you have a known allergy to anesthetics. Additionally, the amount of local anesthetic used is quite small. The sutures will...