Overview
The AdVance Male Sling is placed in the body and acts as a hammock, repositioning and supporting the urethra to help restore bladder control. It is indicated in patients with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence who have not had pelvic radiation. Most patients have long-term success with the AdVance Male Sling and are classified as cured or improved.
Patient EDU
Prior to surgery, your physician may ask you to have a urodynamic study (testing to assess urinary tract function), complete a 24-hour pad test (to identify the number of pads used and volume of urine leaked), or look inside your bladder (cystoscopy).
One of the distinct advantages of the male sling is that it can be performed with a fairly short recovery and requires only a small incision in the groin and between the scrotum and the anus. The procedure itself entails placement of a synthetic mesh to compress the urethra under it. Most patients do not need a catheter and go home the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks and complications of the male sling procedure?
Complications of this type of procedure are rare but may occur. They include bleeding, infection, erosion, inability to urinate (retention of urine — very rare) or recurrent leakage.
What can I expect prior to the surgery?
If required, you may be asked to see your family physician or anesthesiologist for a preoperative check up. If necessary, they will do an EKG, blood workup, chest x-ray, and urine tests.
- DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR ANY BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS 1 WEEK PRIOR TO SURGERY. This includes medications such as Motrin®; Advil®; ibuprofen; Aleve®; and Plavix®. If necessary, you can take Tylenol® for headaches or pain. Any other medication such as antibiotics, high blood pressure medications, hormone pills and heart medications should be continued unless otherwise specified.
- DIET: CONSUME ONLY CLEAR LIQUIDS THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY. This means anything you can see through, such as broth, juices, and Jell-O. This helps keep the bowel clean at the time of surgery and reduces the risks of contamination.
- DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER 12 MIDNIGHT THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY. Any medication that must be taken the morning of surgery should be taken with a small sip of water.
What to expect after surgery.
You will need to follow these very important instructions for at least 6 weeks:
- No lifting anything greater than 10 – 15 lbs (e.g. gallon of milk).
- No bending, squatting, climbing (e.g. stepping up into high vehicles), extreme leg spreads, biking, jogging.
- No sexual activity.
- No baths or hot tubs for 2 weeks, however you may shower 24 hours after your procedure.
Additional expectations after your procedure:
- Your urologist may prescribe a stool softener, pain medication, and antibiotic for you after your procedure.
- It is not uncommon to experience some pain at surgical site controllable with pain medication prescribed by your urologist.
- Post-operative pain should resolve within 2 – 4 weeks. If pain persists greater than 4 weeks, please contact your urologist.
- If you are unable to urinate the day after surgery, you may need an indwelling catheter for a short time. It is not uncommon for your urine stream to be slightly decreased after surgery, this will usually resolve.