Surgery is usually considered when other kinds of treatments aren't helping enough. The surgery options will depend on what is causing the incontinence. Surgery won't always cure the symptoms. But it will usually improve them.
For incontinence caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), options include:
Severe incontinence caused by removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy) may be treated with surgery if the incontinence doesn't go away after a period of watchful waiting. These procedures include:
For incontinence not helped by other treatments, options may include:
Recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks. You will need help around the house during this time. You will not be able to do any heavy lifting or strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks. You may need to take off work for several weeks. It depends on which type of surgery you have. You may feel more tired than usual. This can last for up to several weeks.
After surgery you should have less or no urine leakage when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or exercise. At first you may find that it is harder than usual to empty your bladder. This usually improves within several weeks.
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