Bladder Neck Suspension

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

A bladder neck suspension is surgery to move your bladder and urethra back into their correct positions. This surgery is used to treat stress incontinence. You may leak urine when you strain, such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or lift a heavy object.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
You cough up blood.

Call your surgeon if:

Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Blood soaks through your bandage.
Your stitches come apart.
You have a fever or chills.
Your wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.
You have nausea or are vomiting.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

Antibiotics help fight or prevent a bacterial infection.
Bowel movement softeners make it easier for you to have a bowel movement. You may need this medicine to prevent constipation.
Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Prevent constipation:

Drink liquids as directed. Liquid helps prevent or relieve constipation. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
Eat high-fiber foods. High-fiber foods include fruits, bran, and whole-grain breads.
Ask when you can exercise. Exercise helps you have regular bowel movements.

Kegel exercises:

Kegel exercises help strengthen your pelvic muscles. Pelvic muscles hold up organs such as your bladder and uterus. Pelvic muscles are used to control urine flow. To target these muscles, stop and start the flow of urine several times. This will help you become familiar with how it feels to tighten and relax these muscles.

Empty your bladder. You may lie down, stand up, or sit down to do these exercises. When you first try to do these exercises, it may be easier if you lie down. Tighten or squeeze your pelvic muscles slowly. It may feel like you are trying to hold back urine or gas. Hold this position for 3 seconds. Relax for 3 seconds. Repeat this cycle 10 times.
Do 10 sets of Kegel exercises, at least 3 times each day. Do not hold your breath when you do Kegel exercises. Keep your stomach, back, and leg muscles relaxed.
As your muscles get stronger, you will be able to hold the squeeze longer. Your healthcare provider may ask that you increase your pelvic muscle squeeze to 10 seconds. After you squeeze for 10 seconds, relax for 10 seconds.

Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer