Can a tummy tuck be harmful to a bladder sling?

Question

Hello. I had pelvic floor repairs over a year ago and have a bladder sling that's connected to my pubic bone. i was told if I were to have a full tummy tuck there's a chance the bladder could shift and cause retention issues. Is this possible? Ty

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

This is an interesting question.  I do not see any way that a properly performed tummy tuck should interfere with a bladder sling. The muscle tightening that is typically performed is quite a distance from where the bladder sling is placed so it should not effect the function of the bladder sling. The urinary incontinence may become more noticeable if a significant amt of muscle tightening is done causing a slight rise in intra-abdominal pressure.  This would have to be quite an agressive muscle tightening to cause this phenomenon. I hope this alleviates your fears about getting your tummy tuck. Good luck!

Earl M. Johnson, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A "tummy tuck" should not change the function of your bladder sling. A "tummy tuck" or abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal wall. Bladder slings are usually placed inside the abdomen add should be well protected during surgery. I recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon to discuss your specific concerns regarding your sling. Hope this helps and good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As a tummy tuck typically only involves operating on the skin and muscle of your stomach wall, it should not pose any risks to your bladder or bladder sling operation.  If your bladder sling surgeon has some concerns, it would be best to have them speak with your plastic surgeon directly to avoid any possible issues. Hope this helps.

Tracy Pfeifer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I have a patient who is having tummy tuck this week who has a bladder sling.  I discussed her upcoming surgery extensively with her urologist who is a very accomplished surgeon and considered an expert in bladder slings.  The urologist believes the surgery will not affect the bladder sling.I would certainly consult with her urologist prior to your surgery.Hope this helps.Tracy Pfeifer, MD

John Dean, MD · Answer

I have done many tummy tucks in people who have had bladder slings and have never had a problem doing so.   I have even had people tell me that their bladders function better after a tummy tuck, for some reason.  I wouldn't expect you to have problems as regards your bladder function, after tummy tuck.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

TT should not effect your bladder suspension. If you area worried about changes in your intra-abdominal content positioning because of a tighter abdominal muscle, you may want to skip the muscle tightening portion of the surgery. Please check link below to get your cheat sheet "7 keys to a great tummy tuck".

Can a tummy tuck be harmful to a bladder sling?

Answers (6)

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