Single-incision short sling mesh insertion for stress urinary incontinence in women

The procedure

Single-incision short sling mesh insertion aims to reduce the risk of urinary leakage in women with stress urinary incontinence. It can be used when lifestyle changes haven't worked. The aim is to reduce the risk of complications that can happen with some other sling or tape procedures because the way the meshes are fixed in place may reduce the risk of injury to blood vessels or internal organs, and chronic pain. The procedure involves making a small cut in the vagina to then put 2 short synthetic slings (typically 8–14 cm long) around the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) to support it. The slings have anchors on the tips to hold them in place. The procedure can be done with a local anaesthetic, with our without sedation, or a regional or general anaesthetic. The slings are meant to be permanent.