To treat physical conditions contributing to incontinence, doctor may suggest surgery. Surgery for urinary incontinence is usually suggested only after other more non-invasive treatments have been tried. Many surgical options have high rates of success.

Surgical treatments for urinary incontinence include:

The most common surgery for women with stress incontinence is the sling procedure.

A sling (supporting strip of either natural or synthetic material) is placed under the urethra to restore support to the bladder neck, enabling the bladder to hold urine.

Sling procedures are commonly performed through an incision in the vagina.

Retropubic suspension is a procedure used to correct urinary incontinence that is caused by sagging of the urethra and bladder neck.

Retropubic suspension uses sutures to support the bladder neck. The threads are secured to the pubic bone and other structures within the pelvis to form a cradle for the bladder.

Procedure is performed through an incision in the lower abdomen.

An implanted device, shaped like a doughnut, is used to encircle the urethra and block urine from leaking out.

To urinate, patient presses a valve implanted under his skin that causes the ring to deflate and allows urine to be released from the bladder.

This procedure is very effective for male incontinence.

A small pacemaker-like device acts on nerves that control bladder and pelvic floor contractions.

The device is implanted under the skin in the abdomen and a wire is connected to a nerve, that is controling voiding function. The device then sends mild electrical impulses to the nerve.

Possible complications include infection, but the device can be removed.

Implants are substances (such as collagen) injected into the tissue surrounding the urethra or the skin next to the urinary sphincter.

The procedure is done with local anesthesia and usually takes about half an hour. Injections must be repeated over time, because collagen is absorbed by the body over time.

Implants have a partial success rate.