Bladder Surgery
Bladder surgery is a procedure performed to treat bladder problems. Most of these problems are due to bladder leakage, but sometimes they can be from bladder cancer.
Bladder leakage (urinary incontinence) is an involuntary loss of urine. It might happen after childbirth, menopause or after prostate surgery. This loss can vary – you might leak a few drops or completely empty your bladder. Bladder leakage is more common than you might think, so please know you’re not alone. Around 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men experience it; that’s over 7 million Aussies dealing with similar issues to yours.
The first recommendation for bladder leakage is always conservative treatment such as pelvic floor muscle training with a pelvic health physio. If non-surgical treatment is not successful, then surgery might be recommended. In the case of bladder cancer, surgery might also be required.
If you’ve committed to having bladder surgery, you’re probably feeling hopeful, but it’s not uncommon to feel a little unsure. Perhaps you’re uncertain what the recovery phase entails, or you'd like to know when you can return to work. You may also wonder what steps you can take before and after surgery to help the process along – which is where we come in.
Expert advice when you need it most.
At Pelvic Health Matters, our postgraduate-qualified pelvic health physiotherapists can give you expert advice on bladder, bowel and sexual function as well as your pelvic floor muscles. We’ll also help with issues like lifting and when you can return to exercise. It makes preparing for and recovering from bladder surgery that much easier.
Rest assured, along with your medical team, we are here to provide you with the support and peace of mind you need.
Bladder leakage is common, with some people needing surgical repair. But the good news is we can give you lots of support both before and after surgery to make the process that much easier.
Common reasons for bladder surgery
Your reasons for requiring bladder surgery might include:
- Stress urinary incontinence, or leakage with movement and change of position that hasn’t responded to at least 6 months of pelvic health physio
- Ongoing urinary leakage after removal of the prostate
- Bladder cancer
Types of bladder surgery
Slings and Tape
Placing a sling or tape under the neck of the bladder or half way along the urethra to support it and improve bladder control.
Suspension
For those with a vagina, a colposuspension lifts the neck of the bladder and stitches it in position.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter
Usually done for people with persistent urinary leakage after removing the prostate, this surgery fits an artificial cuff or sphincter around the urethra with a mechanism to open and close it.
Cystectomy
Removal of all or some of the bladder, usually to treat bladder cancer.
Neobladder Reconstruction
Creating a new bladder using part of the intestine.
Our Proven Pathway for Supporting Bladder Surgery
Discover what matters
You’re assessed as a whole person
To begin, we take the time to understand all of you – not just what’s going on physically. So, your postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will collect the following information:
- QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand about your history, current health concerns and what matters to you.
- 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: Here, we’ll take the time to learn about you, your pelvic health and your upcoming bladder surgery. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence your pelvic health.
- THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This includes an abdominal and pelvic floor examination, bladder diary, bowel diary and questionnaires to understand your thoughts, feelings and environment.
- CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your bladder, we can explore how to support you with your surgery. This might mean understanding how your existing constipation could negatively impact your recovery or how vital a strong pelvic floor is in supporting your surgical outcome and preventing other problems.
- SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals such as:
- Know that I’m doing everything I can to get the best outcome from surgery
- Recover quickly from my bladder surgery
- Feel confident to return to the gym
Restore what matters
You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.
Step 2 is where the action happens. Together, we’ll choose the best research-proven treatment options for your lifestyle. You’ll learn what to expect from surgery, any lifestyle modifications for the post-op period and how to return to normal activity.
Whether you see us before or after your bladder surgery, we’ll design an individualised pelvic floor and abdominal muscle program to ensure these critical muscles are working optimally. If you’ve already been doing this, we’ll ensure your program is modified if needed. Together, we’ll design a graduated return to normal activities and exercises you enjoy. We’ll also help address any bladder or bowel issues that may co-exist or arise after the surgery. And, if you wish, we can support your return to intimacy.
Plus, you’ll be given excellent resources and tools to help you progress. You’ll be armed with all the things!
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.
Enjoy what matters
You’ll be living your best life.
The final step is about ensuring you achieve all the excellent goals you set at the beginning of your journey. You might also find you can embrace new possibilities that you hadn’t considered, such as doing a fun run or going dancing. You’ll be equipped with the skills to ensure bladder control in all situations – without having to return for appointments.
Sometimes, though, life’s twists and turns can throw things off track, and you might find yourself needing a little reset. A new life stage might bring different challenges for your pelvic health. No matter what’s going on, just know – we’re always here for you, ready to help whenever you need it.
Read about Belinda 45 yrs
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Pelvic Health Matters
New name.
Same exceptional care.
Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.
Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au