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Burch colposuspension is an operation to treat stress urinary incontinence. This type of leakage occurs during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise. The surgeon places stitches beside the bladder neck to lift and support the tissue around the urethra. It can be performed through an abdominal incision or by laparoscopy.
read more about burch colposuspension ...The operation may be considered when stress leakage remains troublesome despite nonsurgical treatment. Pelvic floor exercises and changes to daily habits may be tried first. A clinician evaluates the type of incontinence before discussing surgery. The procedure targets leakage related to physical pressure rather than every cause of urinary urgency.
The surgeon reaches the area beside the bladder neck through the abdomen. Stitches on each side lift the tissue supporting the bladder neck and urethra. This support helps the urethra resist leakage when abdominal pressure rises. The surgeon may use an open or laparoscopic approach.
A catheter may drain the bladder shortly after surgery. The care team checks that the bladder empties adequately when the catheter is removed. Activity and lifting restrictions depend on the surgical approach and healing. Follow-up assesses leakage and any new urinary symptoms.
Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and difficulty emptying the bladder. Some patients develop urinary urgency or leakage that continues after surgery. Pelvic organ prolapse can also occur later. The surgeon discusses these risks and other treatments for stress incontinence.
No. It uses stitches to support the bladder neck and urethra.
The traditional Burch procedure uses stitches for support rather than a synthetic sling. The surgeon can explain the materials planned for an individual operation.
It is intended to treat stress leakage during coughing, exercise, or similar activity. Urgency symptoms may need separate evaluation and treatment.
Yes. Some patients temporarily have trouble emptying the bladder and need a catheter while this improves.
Burch colposuspension. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850136/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Burch Colposuspension. University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Burch-Colposuspension.pdf. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Colposuspension. Health New Zealand. https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/womens-health/living-well/stress-urinary-incontinence/colposuspension. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Retropubic Suspension Surgery. HealthLink BC. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthwise/retropubic-suspension-surgery. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/surgery-for-stress-urinary-incontinence. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.