bladder suspension-medical necessity?

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Mar 3, 2009

I would think that if the bladder is also tipped and there's significant urinary retention causing frequent UTIs, then yes, it would be.

I know somebody for whom this surgery actually made her incontinence worse but it eliminated her UTIs. Not sure whether she thinks it's worth it though.

afteralltheseyears · Mar 3, 2009

thanks janfrn. Yes, I agree if medical problems arise (like UTIs) it would become a medical necessity. How about for the nuisance of simple urinary leakage?

deyo321 · Mar 3, 2009

Probably not for nuisance, IMHO, we treat for pain and to prevent worsening disability. Not for convenience or vanity. If there arent other issues that seems an invasive elective issue. :twocents:

christi britt · Mar 31, 2010

If you had access to a bladder scanner, that would be magnificent. You could have the pt urinate, and then scan the bladder to see if he/she has problems with retention. If the problem of leakage is related to retention, there are meds such as Flomax that can help with this along with instruction the pt to double void every time. Of course a U/A to assess for UTI would be essential. I do not think that bladder suspension is a first line procedure. Medications, bladder training, etc. would always be utilized first before a surgical procedure would ever be considered.