Mid-urethral Sling Procedure

The mid-urethral sling procedure is a treatment for stress incontinence in women. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a small piece of plastic mesh around the pubic bones underneath the urethra. The urethra is the tube where urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body.

This procedure helps close the urethra and bladder neck (the part of the bladder that connects to the urethra). A 3 cm incision (cut) is made within the vagina immediately beneath the urethra, and two 3 mm incisions are made on the lower abdomen, just above the pubic hair line. The sling is then passed through the vaginal incision and positioned under the urethra. Most people can leave the hospital within a few hours of the procedure and begin seeing results in just a few weeks.

Why choose UAB Medicine

UAB Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery provides the highest level of research-based care for women’s pelvic floor disorders. Our expert providers are fellowship-trained and board-certified, and they offer the full range of treatment options for women with urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic floor conditions. Many of our surgical treatments are minimally invasive, which means that only a few small incisions are needed. We also work closely with other providers to offer nonsurgical options for pelvic floor conditions.

Our urogynecologic and pelvic reconstructive surgeons and physicians are recognized nationally and internationally for excellence. We also provide advanced training to other providers through a competitive fellowship program. Urogynecology is all that we do, so you can depend on us to deliver personalized care that meets your needs and preferences.

Care Providers

Gena Dunivan, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology Tracey Wilson, MD Trauma and Reconstructive Urology, Urology

Videos

Resources

• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology