What are the benefits of the MiniArc Sling?
MiniArc Sling surgery is safe and there have been no cases of polypropylene tape rejection to date. It is a simple, minimally invasive procedure. The tape can be adjusted during the procedure to achieve optimal position.- Appropriate for older women and overweight women. Shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and less pain than current surgical treatments.
What are the risks and complications after the MiniArc Sling?
- The risks and complications will be discussed with you in detail by the surgeon. The general risks of this procedure include, bleeding, wound infection, pain, scarring of tissues, failure of the procedure, or potential injury to other surrounding structures.
- In case of the MiniArc tape moving from the middle urethra which affects the surgical result and the post-operative difficulty in urination, a corrective surgery may be needed–this mostly happens in other cases done with other surgeries, such as Anterior-Posterior Vaginal Repair with MiniArc technique.
- Leakage between urethra, bladder and vagina is theoretically considered a rare precaution. Nevertheless, if you have some vaginal fluid with urine-like smell, please inform Dr. Vitasna immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment of such symptom.
Will there be pain after the MiniArc Sling?
- You should expect some mild pain after the procedure. Pain medications will be prescribed to control any discomfort. However, you are required to report pain that can’t be controlled by pain medication.
Will I have difficulty urinating after the MiniArc Sling?
- Urinary frequency or difficulty in urination may be noted due to the surgery of the anterior vaginal wall which affects the urethra. As a result of the difficulty in urination after the surgery, you may be catheterized for 1-2 days after the surgery.
- After the surgery, you may sometimes experience increase in urinary frequency, slow urinary flow and/or longer time of urination (compared with before the surgery).
What is the risk of urinary infection after the MiniArc Sling?
- Although these events are usually infrequent, they can sometimes occur. Having infection is treated with antibiotics and adequate fluid intake.
When can I resume sexual intercourse after the MiniArc Sling?
- You should refrain for sexual intercourse for a period of 4-6 weeks.
How long does the MiniArc mesh remain there?
- Evidence from long-term follow ups show that the mesh remains intact to support the urethra. Complications such as displacement or erosion of mesh must be reported to your gynecologist immediately.
What happens when the MiniArc Sling fails?
- As with any other surgical procedures, this operation has its limitations. If this procedure fails, you will need to be investigated with new urodynamic tests and treatment may be decided from the results. Corrective surgery is an option and will be discussed between you and the surgeon.
Further Reading: MiniArc Sling procedure. If you would like to arrange a consultation. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.