Published on: 3/5/2025
Surgery for overactive bladder is not usually the first choice, but there are options available for patients whose symptoms do not improve with other treatments.
Most people with overactive bladder start with treatments like lifestyle changes, medications, or bladder training. For those who continue to have symptoms despite these therapies, surgical options may be considered. Surgical treatments are generally reserved for refractory cases. Procedures such as sacral neuromodulation (also known as InterStim therapy) and, in rare instances, bladder augmentation can help manage symptoms. These surgeries work by modifying how your bladder and nerves function, aiming to lessen the sudden urges and frequency of urination. However, surgery can be more invasive and comes with its own risks and potential complications, so doctors usually recommend exhausting non-surgical treatments first. Always discuss all options, benefits, and risks with your healthcare provider to decide what is best for your situation.
(References)
Vasdev N, Biles BD, Sandher R, Hasan TS. The surgical management of the refractory overactive bladder. Indian J Urol. 2010 Apr;26(2):263-9. doi: 10.4103/0970-1591.65402. PMID: 20877607; PMCID: PMC2938553.
Trowbridge ER, Hoover EF. Evaluation and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2022 Mar;51(1):157-175. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.10.010. Epub 2022 Jan 7. PMID: 35135660.
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