Bladder-Neck Incision

A bladder-neck incision, also known as a bladder neck incision (BNI), is a surgical procedure used to treat urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate or other conditions that affect the bladder neck.

Indications

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder neck contracture
• Urinary retention
• Weak urine flow

Procedure

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. A cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light on the end, is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. The surgeon then uses a special instrument to make one or more incisions in the bladder neck, which helps to widen the opening and improve urine flow.

Types of Bladder-Neck Incision

• Transurethral bladder-neck incision (TUBNI): This is the most common type of BNI, where the incision is made through the urethra using a cystoscope.
• Suprapubic bladder-neck incision: This type of BNI involves making an incision in the abdomen to access the bladder neck.
• Laparoscopic bladder-neck incision: This is a minimally invasive procedure where several small incisions are made in the abdomen and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is used to visualize the bladder neck.

Benefits

• Improved urine flow
• Relief from urinary retention
• Reduced risk of urinary tract infections
• Minimally invasive procedure with faster recovery time

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding or hemorrhage
• Infection
• Urinary incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction
• Bladder neck contracture or stricture

Recovery

After the procedure, patients typically spend a few hours in the recovery room and may need to stay overnight in the hospital. A catheter may be inserted to help drain urine from the bladder for a few days. Patients can usually return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.

Follow-up Care

Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are necessary to monitor healing and ensure that the procedure was successful. Additional treatments or procedures may be needed if complications arise or if symptoms persist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a bladder-neck incision?
Surgical procedure to treat bladder neck obstruction.

Who is a candidate for bladder-neck incision?
Men with bladder neck obstruction or enlarged prostate.

How is the procedure performed?
Through cystoscopy under general anesthesia.

What are the benefits of bladder-neck incision?
Improved urine flow and reduced symptoms.

What are the risks of bladder-neck incision?
Bleeding, infection, and urinary incontinence.

Is bladder-neck incision a permanent solution?
May provide long-term relief but not always permanent.

How long does the procedure take?
Typically 30 minutes to an hour.

What is the recovery time for bladder-neck incision?
Usually several days to a week.

Will I need catheterization after the procedure?
Yes, temporarily to help urine drain.

Can bladder-neck incision be performed on an outpatient basis?
Often done as an outpatient procedure.