Certainty with Urology Surgery [Mary Krenz]

This video shares Mary's experience with incontinence surgery at Brookings Health System. Mary discusses what led to her procedure, how she felt about her care team, and what recovery has been like. The goal is to help others better understand urologic surgery for bladder leakage and feel more confident exploring their options.

  • What the surgery addressed: The procedure involved placing a band around the bladder muscle to help prevent urinary leakage.
  • Decision-making can feel clear when symptoms affect daily life: For this patient, the urgency and disruption of incontinence made surgery an easy choice.
  • Supportive care matters: Clear communication from the surgeon and nursing staff helped reduce anxiety before surgery.
  • Pain and recovery experience: The patient reported minimal pain and progressive improvement in bladder control after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Incontinence surgery is a procedure designed to treat urinary leakage by improving bladder support or control. In this case, a band was placed around the bladder muscle to help prevent leakage and improve daily function.

Surgery may be considered when urinary leakage significantly affects daily life and conservative treatments are not providing enough relief. A consultation with a urologist helps determine whether surgery is appropriate based on symptoms and overall health.

Yes. Alternatives may include pelvic floor therapy, lifestyle changes, bladder training, or medications, depending on the type of incontinence. Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical treatments are ineffective or not preferred.

As with any surgery, risks may include bleeding, infection, urinary retention, or discomfort. A urologist will review individual risk factors, expected benefits, and recovery details before proceeding.

One common approach involves placing a supportive band or sling around the bladder or urethra to reduce leakage. The specific technique depends on the patient’s anatomy and type of incontinence.

Video Transcript

I'm Mary Krenz. I live out at Lake Thompson. I'm retired. I help out with senior meals five days a week in DeSmet and enjoy the lake the rest of my time.

What Led to Your Surgery at Brookings Health System?

He went in and put a band around the muscle of my bladder to help prevent leakage and stuff.

Was Incontinence Surgery a Difficult Decision?

It was a no-brainer. I mean I just, you know, when you go somewhere you just...first thing you do is you look for the door and you run and it was a no-brainer.

How Did Dr. Bhat Make You Feel?

Oh he's a very nice man. He takes his time with you, you know. If you have any questions, he answered them. Just a very nice man. I'm not good on doctors, but him, I felt very comfortable with. 

What Do You Remember From the Surgery?
 
I was very relaxed because, you know, like I said him and the staff were very nice, you know. I came in here and took me right in the room and the nurses were in and out all of the time talking to me and telling me what was going on, how long it was going to be, what it was going to be. So, it was great.

How Was Your Pain Managed After Surgery?

Oh, good, great, I've had no pain, no nothing. It's just like I come in, took a little nap and went home.

How Was Your Recovery?

It's still in the process, it's still going, it will take awhile but it's better. I mean I don't have to all the sudden run somewhere you know and first thing to look for is the bathroom and stuff like that so it's getting better. It's working very good.

What Would You Tell Others Considering Incontinence Surgery at Brookings Health System?

Definitely go see Dr. Bhat and at least talk to him, because he'll answer any questions that you want to ask him.

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