Escape of urine during 'stress' is due to weakness of pelvic support. This weakness is often, but not always, associated with childbirth.
Urinary continence depends on strong bladder and pelvic support.
The laparoscope is a telescopic camera which provides visualization of the abdomen. Surgery performed using a laparoscope usually requires three to four small, quarter-inch incisions for insertion of additional surgical instruments. Whereas, one large five-inch incision is required for the traditional operation to repair stress incontinence. During the Burch procedure, the lower bladder is supported by suturing the vagina to the pelvic ligaments. This corrects the weakness so that during a 'stress' activity, the bladder does not move down and allow urine to escape.