Urethral sling surgery is done to treat mild-to-moderate stress urinary incontinence. It’s often done after prostate surgery. The sling lifts and supports the urethra, making it easier to control urine flow. Your urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.

There are different types of male urethral sling surgeries. The two main types are transobtuator and retropubic surgeries. For both types, the doctor makes a cut (incision) in the area between the scrotum and the anus (perineum). For a retropubic sling, you may also have an abdominal incision. Then the doctor places mesh strips through the incisions and under your urethra like a sling or hammock. Then the incisions are closed with stitches.

You may be asleep during surgery. If you are awake, you will get medicine to prevent pain and help you relax.

You may go home the same day as your surgery. Or you may stay in the hospital overnight. You will probably be able to go back to work in 1 to 2 weeks. But you will need at least 6 weeks to fully recover before returning to all normal activities. You must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during this time.

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

• You may be asked to shower with a special antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of surgery.
• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
• Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

• Bring a picture ID.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.
• The surgery will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.