Transobturator Tape procedure, performed on the patient by doctors at AINU, is the surgical option to fix the symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence.
Stress urinary incontinence is a condition that can affect both young and old. (Commons)
Can you imagine not laughing for 20 years? This 72-year-old woman from Secunderabad had to stop herself from laughing for two whole decades due to a medical condition.
She suffered from Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and now, she’s had corrective surgery. And her laugh? It’s back, bigger and better than ever.
SUI is a condition where a person unintentionally leaks urine during physical activities or when pressure is exerted on the bladder, which happens with actions like laughing, coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects.
Rajamma (name changed) had to rely on adult diapers to manage her condition.
For 20 years, she went on with her life, thinking that her symptoms were simply age-related and that there was nothing she could do about it.
But when the symptoms progressively worsened, Rajamma consulted Dr Sarika Pandya, Head of Female Urology at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), who diagnosed her to have SUI and suggested that she undergo corrective surgery.
Transobturator Tape procedure. (Dr Ulhas Pote)
While interacting with the media, Dr Pandya said that after a thorough assessment, it was decided to do a surgical procedure called Transobturator Tape (TOT) for Rajamma.
During this procedure, a synthetic mesh tape is inserted through small incisions, supporting the urethra.
This tape acts as a hammock, providing stability to the urethra and preventing involuntary urine leakage, particularly during activities like laughing, coughing, sneezing, or lifting something heavy.
TOT is often favoured in the medical community for its effectiveness, reduced surgical risks, and quicker recovery compared to traditional approaches.
Speaking to South First, Dr Shivalingaiah M, a professor of Urology and former director of the Institute of Nephro Urology, Bengaluru, said, “There are many patients who come to us very stressed about their situation as it can even cause severe embarrassment. Even those young as 19 can have this problem.”
He added, “It is a common belief that this is a problem of the old. It is not true. Young girls can also face this issue and even women after childbirth can go through this for a few months postpartum. Early detection is the key.”
Highlighting the significance of early intervention for urinary leakage issues — a common concern among women, often arising from pregnancy, childbirth, or muscle weakness — Dr Pandya said, “Seeking help in the early stages can ensure non-surgical solutions, such as Kegel exercises and medication, averting prolonged suffering.”
Lifestyle changes, pelvic exercises, drinking lots of water, regularising bowel movements, reducing stress, and cutting down on stimulants like coffee, tea, and smoking can help improve the symptoms.
Also, low-dose medication for bladder contraction and a botox injection can be administered as possible treatment options.
However, when things go bad, doctors suggest corrective surgery as the best option.
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