What is a laparoscopic bladder procedure?
This surgical procedure, developed by Dr. Lyons, is used in the management of urinary stress incontinence, which is the involuntary loss of urine– usually during some physical activity such as lifting, sneezing, laughing, jogging, bending or stooping. Childbirth and loss of estrogen associated with menopause–conditions that can weaken muscles supporting the bladder–are common causes for the condition. Surgical therapy is indicated after conservative therapies have been proven ineffective, or if the condition is interfering with daily activities. The procedure takes one to two hours based on the patient’s anatomy, and has an eighty per cent success rate. Initial management of the problem can include weight reduction to help lessen intraabdominal pressure, behavior modification (i.e. changing posture), estrogen replacement therapy in menopausal and perimenopausal women, Kegel exercises, and electrostimulation to strengthen the pelvic floor. Medication to help constrict the muscles in
