Macroplastique: Treating Urinary Stress Incontinence
Macroplastique is a technique used to help people with a specific type of stress urinary incontinence known as Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency. When the muscle around the urethra, called a sphincter, becomes diseased or damaged it can lead to incontinence that can be somewhat excessive and unpredictable.
How Macroplastique Works:
The goal of Macroplastique is to reduce the amount and frequency of incontinence. Macroplastique is a medical grade silicone combined with a water-soluble gel that is injected around the sphincter to provide strength and support. The gel is broken down and cleared by the body, but the silicone stays behind permanently. Silicone does not react with the nearby tissue, so it is entirely safe long-term.
Macroplastique Procedure:
The procedure can be performed in our office in about 30 minutes. Antibiotics are given to the patient ahead of time and a numbing medicine is used prior to the injection. The surgeon uses as a cystoscope or a ‘visualizing tube’ to view the urethra and bladder, which is filled halfway with water to improve the process.
Advantages of Macroplastique:
Using the Macroplastique technique, patients often experience added benefits compared to alternative treatments. These benefits include:
- An 84% success rate for the outpatient procedure from 12 to 24 months and 67% of patients remaining dry at 24 months
- 41% saw improvements at 12 months, and they were dry at 24 months
- Quality of life scores improving significantly throughout the 24 months
If you have any questions regarding Macroplastique, or if you think it may be right for you, our team of professionals are available to answer any questions to help you make an informed decision. We at Western Michigan Urological Associates want to work with you to find the best option for you and your family. Ask Your Primary Care Provider for a Referral.
