Coaptite Injection - Reston Hospital Center | Reston, VA
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DefinitionReasons for ProcedurePossible ComplicationsWhat to ExpectCall Your Doctorrevision

Definition

Coaptite is a gel-like substance. It is used as a 'bulking agent' to increases the size of the urethra. The urethra is a tube that allows urine to pass from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is for women who have stress urinary incontinence . This is the leakage of urine caused by weakening of the muscles around the bladder and pelvis.

Muscles Involved in Incontinence in Women
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Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have a coaptite injection, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

  • Trouble passing urine due to urethra swelling
  • Blood in urine
  • Painful urination
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Feeling the urge to urinate
  • Frequent urination
  • Continued incontinence
  • Bleeding
  • Damage to the urethra
  • Reaction to anesthesia

You should avoid this procedure if you have a history of:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Current irritation of your bladder or urethra
  • The wall of your urethra being easily damaged

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the injection.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do the following:

  • Physical exam, blood and urine tests, and imaging tests
  • Discuss with you the type of anesthesia that will be used and the potential risks

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure. The medicines may include:

  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Blood thinners, like warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Other things to keep in mind before the procedure:

  • Arrange for a ride home from the hospital.
  • If instructed by your doctor, do not eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure.

Anesthesia

This procedure can be done under local, spinal , or general anesthesia. It will block any pain. Sedation may also be used to ease anxiety.

Description of Procedure

An IV will be placed in your arm . It will deliver fluids and medicines directly into your bloodstream. A special jelly or fluid may be placed into your urethra to numb the area. If you are having spinal anesthesia, it will be injected into the spine. General anesthesia will be given through an IV.

The doctor will insert a tiny camera into your urethra. This will allow the doctor to see the bladder. The coaptite substance will be passed through the scope. It will be injected into the urethra wall near the bladder. The procedure will be repeated on the other side of the urethra. The gel will create a bulge just under the bladder.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be monitored as the anesthesia wears off..

How Long Will It Take?

The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Ask your doctor about medicine to help with pain after the injection.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

After the procedure, the hospital staff may provide the following care:

  • Monitor you while you recover from the anesthesia and/or sedation
  • Help you to eat and move around again
  • Give you pain medicine

You will not need to stay overnight.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Take medicines as directed. They will help to reduce pain and the chance of infection.
  • Avoid hard activity and heavy lifting.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
  • Do not drive or have sex until your doctor says it is safe to do so.
  • Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if you have any of the following:

  • Increased pressure or pain
  • Not able to urinate
  • Changes in frequency, odor, appearance, or volume of urine
  • Signs of infection, including fever or chills
  • Blood in urine
  • Painful urination or a burning sensation
  • Leaking urine

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

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.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.

RESOURCES

  • American Urological Association Foundation

    http://www.urologyhealth.org/

  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

    http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

  • Canadian Urological Association

    http://www.cua.org/

  • Health Canada

    http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

References

  • Boston Scientific. Coaptite injection. Boston Scientific website. Available at: http://www.bostonscientific.com/templatedata/imports/collateral/Gynecology/broc%5Fcoaptite%5F02%5Fus%5Fall%5Fug.pdf . Accessed August 12, 2010.

  • Incontinence. American Association of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence.html . Accessed September 14, 2012.

  • Treating urinary incontinence. EBSCO Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/ . Updated January 11, 2010. Accessed September 14, 2012.

  • Incontinence. American Urological Association Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=143 . Updated January 2011. Accessed September 16, 2012.

  • United States Food and Drug Administration. Coaptite. United States Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DeviceApprovalsandClearances/Recently-ApprovedDevices/ucm078444.htm. Updated July 8 , 2009. Accessed September 14, 2012.