UROLOGY · CONDITIONS
Artificial Urinary Sphincter
Implantable device that restores continence in men with severe urinary incontinence , the gold standard surgical treatment for post-prostatectomy and neurogenic sphincter deficiency.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Artificial Urinary Sphincter?
The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is a hydraulic silicone device implanted around the bulbar urethra, comprising a urethral cuff, pressure-regulating balloon reservoir, and a scrotal control pump. It is the gold standard treatment for severe male stress urinary incontinence , most commonly following radical prostatectomy or neurogenic sphincter deficiency. Dr. Vipin implants the AMS 800 through a perineal or scrotal approach after thorough urodynamic evaluation confirms genuine sphincteric insufficiency, with social continence rates exceeding 85% and durable long-term results.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Radical prostatectomy , most common cause of severe male SUI
- Radiation therapy to the prostate damaging the sphincter
- Neurogenic sphincter deficiency from spinal cord injury
- Previous urethral surgery weakening the sphincter mechanism
- Pelvic trauma injuring the sphincter complex
- Transurethral surgery causing iatrogenic sphincter damage
CLINICAL DETAILS
Key Facts
AUS implanted at least 12 months after prostatectomy , allowing spontaneous continence recovery.
Video urodynamics confirms sphincteric incontinence and excludes bladder overactivity before implant.
Device deactivated for 4–6 weeks post-implant to allow tissue healing before first use.
>85% achieve social continence (0–1 pad daily) after AMS 800 implantation.
Device longevity 7–10 years. Revision surgery available for mechanical malfunction.
AdVance or Virtue sling suitable for mild to moderate SUI , less invasive alternative to AUS.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
AMS 800 Implantation , Perineal Approach
The urethral cuff is placed around the bulbar urethra through a perineal incision and connected to a scrotal pump and abdominal balloon reservoir , the gold standard for severe male stress urinary incontinence.
- 1
Urodynamic Evaluation
Video urodynamics confirms genuine sphincteric insufficiency. Bladder overactivity excluded and managed before AUS implantation.
- 2
Implantation
Perineal incision exposes the bulbar urethra. Cuff placed around the urethra. Balloon reservoir in the space of Retzius. Scrotal pump placed in a separate pouch.
- 3
Deactivation Period
Device left deactivated for 4–6 weeks. Catheter removed at 24 hours. Patient learns pump use during this period.
- 4
Activation & Follow-up
Device activated at 4–6 weeks in clinic. Continence confirmed. Annual reviews check device function, urethral integrity, and patient satisfaction.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
AMS 800 Implantation , Perineal Approach
Urethral cuff placed through a perineal incision , gold standard AUS implantation for post-prostatectomy incontinence
AMS 800 Implantation , Scrotal Approach
All three AUS components implanted through a single transverse scrotal incision , single-incision technique with equivalent outcomes.
Male Sling (AdVance / Virtue)
Polypropylene sling repositioning the bulbar urethra , less invasive than AUS, suitable for mild to moderate male SUI.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked
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