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Coaptite Injection

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Coaptite Injection

(Injection, Coaptite)

Definition

A coaptite injection puts a gel-like substance around the muscle that controls the flow of urine from the bladder to the urethra.

Reasons for Procedure

This surgery is done to treat stress incontinence. This is when urine leaks when there is extra pressure on the bladder and urethra. Triggers may include laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, or exercise. Inserting the gel-like substance helps support the urethra and makes it easier for it to close and stop urine from leaking.

Muscles Involved in Incontinence in Women.

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Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that may happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing and sore throat
  • Infection
  • Problems passing urine
  • Leaking that returns
  • Damage to nearby structures, such as the urethra

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Excess drinking
  • Chronic disease, such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, or excess bleeding
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Blood in urine
  • Problems passing urine or leaking urine
  • New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team will meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Planning for a ride to and from surgery

Anesthesia

The doctor may give:

  • A sedative—you will feel relaxed
  • Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed
  • General anesthesia—you will be asleep
  • Spinal anesthesia—you will be numb from the belly down

Description of Procedure

A scope with a camera will be inserted into the urethra to view the bladder. A needle will be placed in the scope. The coaptite will be injected into the urethra wall near the bladder. The procedure will be repeated on the other side of the urethra. The scope and needle will be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

15 to 30 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Pain and swelling are common in the first few days. Medicine and home care can help.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

After the procedure, the stay may:

  • Give you pain medication
  • Check to make sure that urine is passing as it should
  • Encourage you to walk

At Home

Most people can return to normal activity. Sexual activity will need to be avoided until the doctor says it is safe.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Urinary incontinence. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/urinary-incontinence.
  • Urinary incontinence in men. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/urinary-incontinence-in-men-25.
  • Urinary incontinence in women. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/urinary-incontinence-in-women.
  • What is urinary incontinence? Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-incontinence?article=143.

Contributors

  • Mark S. Itzkowitz, MD, JD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.