Laser Surgery for Urinary Incontinence

Laser surgery is the most effective and non-invasive procedure for treating stress incontinence. This is one form of urinary incontinence that occurs due to loss of control over the urethral muscles. The condition is common in women who have undergone vaginal childbirth or those in their old age. The tissues supporting the urethra become weak and cannot control the flow of urine when the body is physically stressed. In laser surgery, the laser beams are directed towards the vagina, producing new collagen - a protein vital for the strengthening of pelvic tissues.

1. Laser surgery for urinary incontinence offers the following benefits:
2. It is non-invasive and hence doesn’t have the risks of other surgical procedures.
3. The patient suffers no pain or discomfort, so general anaesthesia is not required.
4. It takes less than 30 minutes to perform, and patients can leave immediately without any downtime. 
5. Women of any age can undergo this surgery.
6. Provides other benefits like vaginal rejuvenation, improved vaginal moisture, reduced pain during intercourse, vaginal tightening and more enjoyable sex.

Women suffering from the below conditions will benefit greatly from laser surgery.

1. Stress Urinary Incontinence: This is a condition where the leakage is caused by any stressful physical activity or even when laughing, sneezing or coughing. Women of all ages are prone to this disease.
2. Urinary Urge Incontinence: People with this condition have an overactive bladder caused by muscular damage. Older women are more at risk here.
3. Mixed Urinary Incontinence: This is a combination of both the above two. One is likely to find this in most women suffering from UI.

1. An underlying issue will go unnoticed and can quickly escalate into a serious condition.
2. The fear of accidental leakage in public can lead to severe mental stress. It can also isolate the person from friends.
3. It can greatly affect a person’s social life and prevent her from participating in any physical activity. Working women can become less productive due to constant fear of leakage.
4. There is a greater risk of urinary infection as the urine never gets completely discharged from the body. 
5. Older patients can see a decline in their physical and mental health if UI is left untreated. This can lead to early death.

1. There are two types of laser treatments for SUI - The micro ablative fractional CO2 laser and the non-ablative Er:YAG laser treatments. The procedure used by the medical practitioner is the same.
2. Doctors check the patient for vaginal health. Medical practitioners also explore the occurrence of any infection.
3. A sterilised laser applicator is inserted inside the vagina and moved outward in a circular motion to cover the whole area. Patients may feel a mildly uncomfortable heat sensation.
4. The total time of treatment is between 20-30 minutes. Patients can leave immediately after the procedure.
5. In most cases, patients get complete relief with three sittings having 4-6 week intervals.
6. The selection of the procedure depends on the specialist or hospital.

1. Medical experts inform the cost of the treatment.
2. Inspection of the vagina for soreness or infection.
3. The doctor conducts a PAP smear test before the procedure. It is a minor procedure to check for cancer or cell changes.

1. Being a non-invasive quick therapy, the specialist directly goes for the procedure.
2. A swab is inserted to ensure dryness of the vagina.
3. The patient needs to spend around 30 minutes for the surgery to be completed.
4. Laser therapy stimulates production of collagen, which in turn strengthens the tissues.
5. This procedure tightens the vagina and lifts the vaginal walls, preventing further leakage.

Post Surgery:-

Recovery

1. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the surgery.
2. Those undergoing the procedure will be asked to refrain from vaginal intercourse for four days normally. Doctors may advise differently depending on the patient’s condition. 

Follow Up Appointment

1. Patients are asked to come after a week to find out if there is any pain or irritation.
2. Further sessions are conducted at four-week intervals. Doctors decide on the number of sessions based on the severity of the condition.