Endoscopic injection of a bulking agent is a modern, minimally invasive treatment for stress urinary incontinence in women. This type of incontinence presents as involuntary leakage of urine during coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise, or lifting, and is caused by inadequate closure of the urethra.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with light sedation or, in some cases, under brief general anesthesia. A thin endoscopic instrument is inserted through the urethra, allowing the urologist to examine the urethra and the bladder neck area precisely. A biocompatible bulking agent is then injected through a fine needle at specific points in the urethral wall.
The material creates small bulges around the urethral lumen, increasing its resistance and improving the closure mechanism. In this way, involuntary leakage of urine is reduced when abdominal pressure rises. The amount injected and the injection sites are adapted to each patient’s anatomy and needs.
The procedure usually lasts a few minutes and requires no surgical incisions. Most patients go home the same day and can soon return to their daily activities. After the procedure, temporary burning on urination, slight blood in the urine, urinary frequency, or temporary difficulty emptying the bladder may occur.
Bulking agent therapy is a suitable option for women who prefer a less invasive approach or who are not suitable candidates for major surgery. Improvement may be noticed immediately; however, in some cases a supplementary injection may be needed to achieve or maintain the desired result.
