Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026
What Is a Bladder Sling Procedure?
A bladder sling — more precisely called a midurethral sling — is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat stress urinary incontinence. It involves placing a thin, narrow strip of supportive material underneath the urethra to restore the support that has weakened over time. It is one of the most commonly performed and well-studied surgeries in urogynecology, with success rates of 85-95%.
How It Works
During the procedure, a small synthetic mesh tape is placed under the mid-urethra through tiny incisions. The sling acts as a supportive hammock — when you cough, sneeze, or exercise, it provides the backstop your urethra needs to stay closed. The procedure restores the mechanical support that was lost due to childbirth, aging, or other factors.
The surgery typically takes about 30 minutes and is performed under anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day.
The midurethral sling is the most commonly performed and well-studied surgery for stress incontinence. It’s been done millions of times worldwide with consistently strong results. I like to think of it as rebuilding the platform that keeps the urethra supported.
An Important Distinction
You may have heard concerns about “mesh” in pelvic surgery. It’s important to understand that the midurethral sling is fundamentally different from the transvaginal mesh products that were used for prolapse repair and prompted safety concerns. The sling is a narrow, carefully designed strip placed in a specific location — not a large sheet of mesh. Midurethral slings have decades of safety data and remain strongly endorsed by major medical societies.
Recovery
Most women are back to their normal routine within a few weeks. I tell patients to let their body be their guide — if it hurts, don’t do it. Full healing takes about 6 weeks.
Who Is a Candidate?
A sling may be recommended if:
- You have stress urinary incontinence that bothers you
- You want a durable, long-term surgical solution
- You’re looking for a long-lasting solution
Surgery is one of several options, and whether it makes sense depends on your symptoms and goals. I’ve had patients tell me they forgot what it was like to sneeze without worrying.
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