What is bladder sling surgery?

Bladder sling surgery is performed to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. In the procedure, strips of surgical mesh are inserted to keep the bladder from releasing fluid during normal activities, according to Drug Watch.

Through one vaginal incision and two small abdominal incisions, the mesh creates a pelvic hammock around the bladder neck and urethra to ensure they remain closed. Since the urethra is significantly shorter -2 inches, as opposed to 10 inches in men- SUI primarily occurs in women.

Several types of bladder slings are FDA-approved; three of the most common are the tension-free vaginal tape sling, the mini-sling and the transobturator tape sling, according to Drug Watch.