Artificial Sphincter Pros and Cons

Implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter, often known as an AUS, is a treatment option for men who experience severe urine incontinence. It's frequently used to treat incontinence following prostate surgery.

An AUS is a medical device used to treat male incontinence due to extreme stress on the urinary system. urinary incontinence may be caused by the following:

• prostatectomy.
• Treatment of prostatic hyperplasia with surgery
• Serious injury.

The treatment is carried out under general anesthesia. A perineal incision is made. Once the urethra has been located, the cuff will be wrapped around it.

Another minor incision is made in the groin area. This incision allows us to position the fluid reservoir in the abdominal cavity, while the pump is positioned in the scrotum.

Medical specialists connect the three elements of the device together in this manner. They fill the entire device with liquid and analyze it to ensure proper operation. At the end of the treatment, the device will be left in a dormant state so that your tissues can repair. Biodegradable stitches are used to close the incisions.

During the first twenty-four hours following the treatment, a catheter will be inserted into the bladder via the urethra in order to drain urine.

The device will be turned on 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You will not be able to control your urinary incontinence until the device is operational.

Artificial Sphincter Pros 

Most studies demonstrate that patient satisfaction ratings are substantially above 90%. Many patients say it has changed their lives.

• There is a strong probability of healing stress urinary leakage.
• A benefit that lasts for a long time.
• During the procedure, there is only a very slight possibility of damaging the urethra, rectum, or bladder.
• Extremely low probability that the bowel or blood arteries may be injured in the pelvic region.
• After surgery, there is a very minimal chance of experiencing temporary urine retention.
• Extremely low chances of experiencing a relapse of stress-induced urine incontinence.

Artificial Sphincter Cons

• You may still have small leaks or dribbles, especially when you work hard.
• Inability to reduce urine incontinence.
• Urethral incontinence recurrence necessitates another surgery to address.
• AUS device malfunction needs replacement surgery.
• Infection of the AUS implant necessitates another surgery to remove it.
• Due to the implant eroding through the urethra, additional surgery will be required to remove it.
• Subsequent surgery is required to stop the bleeding.
• Wound or urinary tract infection requiring antibiotic treatment.
• Inability to urinate when the catheter is withdrawn, needing replacement, or an abdominal catheter (suprapubic catheter).
• Swollen and painful scrotum.