Dr. Le Phuc Lien, Head of the Female Urology Unit, Department of Urology - Nephrology - Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, reported that Ms. Vu suffered from severe urinary incontinence. This condition stemmed from decreased estrogen levels during perimenopause, which reduced the elasticity of connective tissues around her bladder neck and urethra.
Dr. Lien explained that synthetic mesh (Mesh) carries potential complications such as erosion into the vagina or bladder, chronic pelvic pain, recurrent infections, and pain during sexual intercourse. Autologous tissue grafts, conversely, are not optimal for women over 50 due to less robust fascial tissue quality. Therefore, Dr. Lien decided to perform Burch colposuspension surgery using the Da Vinci Xi robot, aiming to preserve the patient's natural anatomical structure as much as possible.
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Dr. Lien prepares for robotic Burch colposuspension surgery to treat urinary incontinence using the Da Vinci Xi robot. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital* |
During the procedure, the Da Vinci Xi robotic system assisted Dr. Lien in creating a pre-peritoneal space in about 20 minutes. This expanded the surgical field and minimized impact on abdominal organs. Guided by the robotic camera system, which offers 15x magnification, the surgical team sutured the anterior vaginal wall to ligaments near the pubic bone. This action created a "hammock" to support the bladder neck and recreated the angle between the bladder and urethra, effectively preventing urinary incontinence.
Thanks to the minimally invasive surgery, Ms. Vu recovered quickly. She experienced no urinary retention or difficulty and was discharged after two days, preserving her physiological functions.
According to Dr. Lien, urinary incontinence is not a dangerous condition, but it impacts women's psychological well-being and diminishes their quality of life. Individuals experiencing urinary incontinence during exertion, coughing, or sneezing should consult a female urology or obstetrics and gynecology specialist. Timely examination helps identify the cause and allows for prompt treatment, preventing prolonged issues that could lead to inflammation and complex complications.
Bao Anh
*Patient's name has been changed
