Sling

Similar to female urethral slings, the male sling is a narrow strap made of synthetic mesh that is placed under the urethra, and acts as a hammock to lift and support the urethra and sphincter muscles.

Most commonly, slings for men are made of surgical mesh. The male sling is most often used in men with mild to moderate urinary incontinence. It is less effective in men who have had radiation therapy to the prostate or urethra, or men with severe incontinence.

The sling procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and is performed under anesthesia. Small openings are made to access the urethra and the urinary sphincter; the surgical incision to place the sling is between the scrotum and rectum. The sling is placed under the urethra and tensioned to reposition the urethra and optimize the sphincter’s function. Most patients are continent immediately following the procedure and can resume normal, non-strenuous activities within a few days.

Most patients have a catheter stay in overnight that can be removed in the hospital or in the office the next day.

Some risks include, but are not limited to, device failure, urinary retention, post-operative pain, irritation at the wound site and foreign body response.