'Moments like that are profoundly life-altering’

A Cork consultant has begun travelling to Spain to perform life-changing surgeries on Irish women. Professor Barry O’Reilly, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Subspecialist Urogynaecologist and Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at UCC travels to Alicante to perform continence procedures for Irish women through a Surgery Abroad pathway.

He carries out all pre-operative assessments, preparation, aftercare and follow-up in Cork, but the surgery itself must still take place outside Ireland. The surgery is not currently available to them in Ireland and the leading specialist says the life-changing outcomes underline the urgent need for access at home.

Urinary incontinence affects thousands of women, yet many remain in silence due to embarrassment, long wait times or the lack of availability of modern surgical options. Professor O’Reilly says the difference these procedures make can be seen almost immediately.

“One of my recent patients was able to take her first walk in years without an incontinence pad just 48 hours after surgery,” he said. “Moments like that are profoundly life-altering. They restore dignity, freedom and the confidence to return to everyday activities without fear.”

Professor O’Reilly, who has more than 25 years’ experience in pelvic floor reconstruction, urogynecology, minimally invasive gynaecology and complex women’s health surgery, began offering the operations in Spain so women could receive timely and effective care.

“These surgeries are internationally recognised and have excellent outcomes,” he added. “Women in Ireland deserve access to them without having to travel abroad. The results speak for themselves — when someone is pad-free two days post-operation, it highlights what is possible when modern treatments are accessible.”

He adds that many women suffer far longer than necessary because their symptoms are minimised or seen as an inevitable part of childbirth or ageing.

“Incontinence is common, but it is not something women should feel forced to live with,” Professor O’Reilly said. “We need to bring these options home so women can be treated safely, locally and without the burden of leaving the country.”

As he continues to perform surgeries abroad while caring for patients in Cork before and after their procedures, Professor O’Reilly hopes that the strong outcomes will help drive awareness and lead to expanded availability of treatment for Irish women in the years ahead.