Artificial Urinary Sphincter for Male Urinary Incontinence

At Colorado Springs Urology, this procedure is typically performed on men following prostate surgery to treat moderate to severe male urinary incontinence. The surgeon implants a medical device around the patient’s urethra, which compresses it. When the patient needs to urinate, the cuff is relaxed which allows urine to pass.

The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) comprises three parts: a cuff, like a water-filled blood pressure cuff, that wraps around the urethra; a small pump in the scrotum that the patient squeezes once or twice to urinate; and a water balloon or reservoir hidden behind the pubic bone.

The reservoir helps maintain the system’s pressure. Usually, the cuff remains inflated until the water is pumped back into the reservoir. This setup allows about one minute for urination before the cuff automatically re-inflates. For patients, urinating this way quickly becomes routine and is rarely a concern or complaint.

• Significant stress incontinence: Urine leaks during physical activities such as walking, coughing, or sneezing.
• Post-prostatectomy incontinence: This treatment is effective for men experiencing incontinence following prostate surgery.
• Failure of conservative treatments: The procedure is considered when less invasive options, like medication and bladder training, have not been successful.

Besides causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and skin problems, urinary incontinence can also lead to severe psychological and social issues like isolation, depression, and anxiety. Fortunately, an AUS can provide several benefits to help manage these problems.

• Effectiveness: AUS devices generally achieve high success rates in treating incontinence and often remain effective for many years.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Using an AUS can help restore confidence, increase comfort, reduce urinary leaks, and decrease reliance on pads.
• Adjustability: AUS devices are uniquely adjustable, allowing the user and healthcare provider to set the optimal pressure for comfort and effectiveness.
• Proven Safety: AUS devices have a long-standing safety record, and ongoing advancements continue to improve the safety and reliability of the procedure.