During artificial urinary sphincter surgery, a ring is placed around the neck of the bladder in order to keep the sphincter shut. To urinate, the patient needs to deflate the ring through the use of a valve implanted underneath the skin.
Also Known As:
- Urinary incontinence surgery
- Prostate surgery
- Enlarged prostate surgery
- Bladder surgery
Conditions Treated with Artificial Urinary Sphincter Surgery:
Artificial urinary sphincter surgery is utilized in cases of male urinary incontinence that develops as a result of treatment for an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
Non-surgical alternatives to artificial urinary sphincter surgery include bladder pessary, urethral inserts, urethral injections of bulking materials, pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder training, medication, dietary changes and electrical stimulation of pelvic floor muscles. Surgical alternatives to the procedure include urinary diversion, bladder augmentation, bladder neck suspension and a sacral nerve stimulator.
Anesthesia with Artificial Urinary Sphincter Surgery:
Artificial urinary sphincter surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential Complications from Artificial Urinary Sphincter Surgery:
Possible risks following artificial urinary sphincter surgery include infection, bleeding and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible to experience injury to other organs, an incisional hernia and for temporary self-catheterization to be needed.
Recovery from Artificial Urinary Sphincter Surgery:
The total recovery time after artificial urinary sphincter surgery is four to six weeks.