Artificial Sphincter for Urinary Incontinence in Men
Skip to the navigationSurgery 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 After Surgery
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.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
References
Citations
- Wessells H, Peterson AC (2012). Surgical treatment of male sphincteric urinary incontinence: The male perineal sling and artificial urinary sphincter. In AJ Wein et al., eds., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 10th ed., vol. 3, pp. 2290-2305. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerChristopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology
Current as of:
May 5, 2017
Wessells H, Peterson AC (2012). Surgical treatment of male sphincteric urinary incontinence: The male perineal sling and artificial urinary sphincter. In AJ Wein et al., eds., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 10th ed., vol. 3, pp. 2290-2305. Philadelphia: Saunders.