Clinical Terminology
Clear explanations of commonly used clinical terms to support understanding and informed care.
Glossary of Medical Terms
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Stress urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine that occurs during physical activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, lifting, or exercise.
Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency (ISD)
Intrinsic sphincter deficiency is a condition in which the urethral sphincter muscle does not function adequately to maintain urethral closure, resulting in urinary leakage. ISD may occur with or without urethral hypermobility.
Urethral Hypermobility
Urethral hypermobility refers to excessive movement of the urethra during increases in abdominal pressure, often due to weakened pelvic support structures.
Mid-Urethral Sling
A mid-urethral sling is a surgical device placed beneath the mid-portion of the urethra to provide support in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
Adjustable Sling
An adjustable sling is a type of sling system that allows modification of sling tension after implantation, as determined by the treating clinician.
Retropubic Approach
The retropubic approach is a surgical technique in which instruments or devices are passed behind the pubic bone through small incisions.
Autologous Graft
An autologous graft is tissue taken from the patient’s own body and used for surgical reconstruction or support.
Synthetic Mesh
Synthetic mesh is a manufactured material used in certain surgical procedures to provide structural support. Mesh materials may vary in composition and pore size.
Recurrent Stress Urinary Incontinence
Recurrent stress urinary incontinence refers to the return of SUI symptoms following previous treatment or surgery.
Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence
Post-prostatectomy incontinence is urinary leakage that occurs following surgical removal of the prostate and is commonly associated with changes in sphincter function.