Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Coaptite Injection

(Injection, Coaptite)

by Deanna M. Neff, MPH

Definition

Coaptite is a gel-like substance that is used as a bulking agent. It is injected around the sphincter where the urethra and bladder meet. Sphincter muscles control the release of urine from the bladder. The substance supports the urethra, decreasing incontinence.

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

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

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

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 medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

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 8 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 may be placed in your arm. It will deliver fluids and medications 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.

A tiny camera will be inserted 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 medication 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 medication

You will not need to stay overnight.

At Home

You will need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting. Do not return to sexual activity until your doctor clears you.

Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications such as:

Increased pressure or pain
Inability 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

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

RESOURCES:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov

Urology Care Foundation
http://www.urologyhealth.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Urological Association
http://www.cua.org

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References:

Products and medical procedures. US Food & Drug Administration website. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/default.htm. Updated August 4, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2017.

Urinary incontinence. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/urinary-incontinence. Updated April 2014. Accessed December 18, 2017.

Urinary incontinence. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed December 18, 2017.

Urinary incontinence in men. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated May 31, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2017.

Urinary incontinence in women. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated November 1, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2017.

Last reviewed November 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Last Updated: 12/20/2014

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