The MiniArc Sling is the newest and safest trend in surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence. MiniArc Sling is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure with an 85%- 90% success rate in treating Stress Urinary Incontinence.
Female urinary stress incontinence is the involuntary release of urine during any physical activity that puts pressure on your bladder. It’s not the same as general incontinence. This potentially embarrassing condition only happens when the bladder is under immediate physical stress.
However, it is important to know that these are common treatable conditions and you don’t have to live with it. There are many treatment options that can help you gain control over this condition. With proper medical care and treatment, you can regain your quality of life.
There are 2 methods of correcting urinary stress incontinence :
1) The surgical methods
2) The non – surgical methods
General Notes & Precautions for the MiniArc Sling
1) Important points about the MiniArc Sling you should know
- This surgery uses a slim 2.3 mm needle and requires only a single 1.5 cm vaginal incision. MiniArc Sling utilizes American Medical System’s (AMS) proven Type 1 polypropylene mesh with a mid line centering mark that promotes accurate placement under the urethra. AMS mesh facilitates healing, and promotes tissue integration.
- This surgery has limitations and cannot guarantee 100% success due to the fact that there are many factors influencing the surgery’s success, especially for women with Mixed Urinary Incontinence. Women with overactive bladder, she needs continuous medications after the surgery.
- In case of unexpected surgical results or complications, corrective surgery is an option, and will be discussed between you and the surgeon. If correction surgery is necessary because of complications from the surgery, all expenses for services and treatment will no longer be charged to you. However, if the unsatisfactory results occur due to the complication from your non-compliance with the doctor’s orders, you will be charged accordingly.
- This surgery is not allowed for women with immunodeficiency. In addition, the surgery is not recommended unless you have a discussion with your spouse as this may lead to problems, and misunderstandings caused by refraining from sexual intercourse for quite a long time.
- This surgery will be performed in our Operating Room for 30 minutes to 1 hour under Intravenous (IV) Sedation. You have to refrain from drinking water or food for at least 6 hours prior to the surgery in order to decrease the risk of aspirating gastric contents during or after the surgery. This complication is very serious, and you need to strictly follow our recommendations. Within the day of the appointment for the surgery, you should not drive yourself after the surgery in order to protect against any accidents caused by dizziness as a result of the sedation.
- The most important preparations you should know before the surgery are that within 1-2 days after the surgery, you should take a rest (refrain from work) and be still to enable the wound to heal faster, you should have little movement as possible to avoid wound disruption for 1 week after the surgery, refrain from some types of exercise affecting pelvic muscle movement, and sexual intercourse for at least 6-8 weeks after the surgery.
2) Before the MiniArc Sling
- Prior to the Single Incision Sling (MiniArc Sling), you will be invited to a pre-operative consultation room, where you will be evaluated for the surgery. You will be received by a member of the nursing staff in our Center, who will make inquiries regarding your previous medical history as well as arrange for your vital signs such as temperature, respiration, blood pressure, and pulse. In case of existing diseases or drug allergies, please inform the medical staff before the consultation. You should prepare and take with you any pills or treatment medications, you are currently taking.
- You can possibly have the Single Incision Sling (MiniArc Sling) done on the day of your consultation depending on the availability of Dr. Vitasna’s schedule. Otherwise, you may book for a possible surgery on the day of your consultation. This you may do through online pre-consultation and arrangement. It is best to undergo the surgery after your period. It is not advisable to do the surgery just before the period starts or during the period.
- A staff nurse will usher you to a treatment room, where Dr. Vitasna will investigate your health history, and conduct both a general check-up and internal check-up. In case you have vaginal fungal or bacterial infection, you should completely treat it before the surgery to avoid wound infection after the surgery.
- After the examination and assessment, you will discuss with Dr. Vitasna about your expectations and concerns. She will then explain to you about the method (or technique), processes of the Single Incision Sling (MiniArc Sling), some potential post-operative risks and complications prior to decision-making. You may also be asked if you have any allergies or any condition that wouldn’t make you a good candidate for the surgery as well as other additional inquiries.
- After you have chosen the best alternative for your case, prices and quotes will be written down with you. —This ends your consultation.
3) The cost of the MiniArc Sling
- The cost of the surgery will include professional fees for the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, all the instruments, the home medications, and medicine used for the surgery as well. However, fees for laboratory work-up for other existing diseases that you may have, and the professional fees for the anesthesiologist and the surgeon for corrective surgery are not included in the package.
4) Read more about : The Pre Operative Processes on the day of the Surgery
The Processes of the MiniArc Sling
1) About the MiniArc Sling Surgery
Figure 1. Mini Arc Sling needle with mesh
- While you are sleeping, Dr. Vitasna will begin to perform the surgery at the area of the anterior vaginal wall with the incision wound length of about 1.5 centimeters, after that a special instrument will be used to insert a small 8.5 cms piece of polypropylene mesh under the urethra. The sling cradles your urethra in a position that mimics normal anatomy to give it more support and prevent accidental urine leakage.
- The incision wound at the anterior of the vaginal wall will be closed with slowly absorbable suture along the incision wound length. The suturing is done alternatively with 2 layers to avoid post-operative complication such as wound separation or bleeding.
Figure 2. MiniArc Sling placement: supports
the urethra, thus preventing urine leakage.
The MiniArc Sling is one of the most complex and meticulous surgeries performed today. It requires extensive experience, precision, and accuracy to create the optimal results you desire and deserve. Many surgeons have little to no experience with this type of advanced cosmetic surgery. You should research and be conscious of the surgeon’s educational background, training, and practical experience.