Artificial Sphincter for Urinary Incontinence in Men
Surgery Overview
An artificial sphincter is a device made of silicone rubber that is used to treat urinary incontinence.
An artificial sphincter has an inflatable cuff that fits around the urethra close to the point where it joins the bladder. A balloon regulates the pressure of the cuff, and a bulb controls inflation and deflation of the cuff. The balloon is surgically placed within the pelvic area, and the control pump is placed in the scrotum.
The cuff is inflated to keep urine from leaking. When urination is desired, the cuff is deflated, allowing urine to drain out.
What To Expect
Because these procedures involve abdominal surgery, hospitalization is required.
You will most likely be able to leave the hospital the day after having the surgery.
Why It Is Done
Installation of an artificial sphincter may be done for:
- Urinary incontinence caused by the removal of the prostate.
- Severe continual leakage of urine from the urethra.
- Severe urinary incontinence for which other methods of treatment have failed.
How Well It Works
Artificial sphincter placement is a successful treatment for up to 90 out of 100 men who have incontinence after prostate removal. And most men are happy with the artificial sphincter.footnote 1
Risks
Complications with this type of surgery include:
- An infection in the artificial sphincter.
- Wearing away (erosion) of the skin of the urethra.
- Failure of the artificial sphincter to work.
Men with these problems usually need to have another surgery (revision). This happens in about 23 out of 100 men who have the surgery.footnote 1
What To Think About
Because complications may occur, this is a treatment method that generally is reserved for people for whom all other treatment options have failed. Some people may prefer to manage their symptoms with continence products (such as absorbent pads, incontinence clamps, or pressure cuffs) and changes in habits rather than to have this surgery.
Current as of: March 21, 2018
