Sling Procedures for Urinary Incontinence

Sling procedures are surgical procedures used to treat urinary incontinence, the accidental leakage of urine, when caused by pelvic organ prolapse.

Incontinence occurs when the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, has dropped out of place or when the sphincter muscle that controls the opening and closing of the urethra is weak.

In this procedure, a sling is placed under the urethra to support the urethra and provide pressure to keep the urethra opening closed. The sling can be made from a man-made material such as mesh or, if necessary, the woman's own tissue or animal tissue.

Sling procedures, also known as pubovaginal or suburethral slings, are used when less-invasive treatments are unsuccessful at relieving symptoms. They are performed through a vaginal incision and very small skin incisions by urogynecologists.

Tension-free midurethral slings are a newer sling procedure performed under general anesthetic on an outpatient basis.

Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with a Baylor College of Medicine physician specializing in cystoscopy, call the division of Urogynecology, part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at 832.826.7500.

Hours & Phone Number

New Location - November 7

Clinical Trials

  • Are you interested in participating in clinical trials? Discuss opportunities with your physician.

The courtesy and professionalism was extraordinary and the kindness was overwhelming.