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Treatments

Artificial Urinary Sphincter

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If you have incontinence that is caused by a weakened sphincter, an artificial urinary sphincter could help you to regain control of your bladder and elevate your quality of life.

Designed to restore urinary control

Leaking urine when you least expect it? Struggling to control the flow of urine when you pee? A weakened sphincter can be frustrating and impact your daily life. An artificial urinary sphincter mimics the function of a healthy urinary sphincter by helping keep the urethra closed to reduce urine leakage while still allowing you to urinate when desired.

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How does an artificial urinary sphincter work?

This treatment is an effective alternative to your natural sphincter and works using a special pump that is placed inside the body — in the scrotum in men or the labium in women. This pump is attached to a fluid-filled cuff that sits around your urethra, and a balloon reservoir. To urinate, you just press several times on the pump. This moves fluid from the cuff into the balloon reservoir, opening the urethra so you can pee. The cuff stays open for a few minutes, and then closes automatically, preventing urine from leaking out.

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Benefits of an artificial urinary sphincter

Visually undetectable

The entire artificial urinary sphincter device is placed inside your body, offering you complete discretion. Nobody needs to know about your treatment unless you tell them.

Ability to urinate at will

By replacing your natural urinary sphincter with an artificial urinary sphincter, you can take back control over your toilet visits and can avoid embarrassing leaks.

Long-term solution

The artificial urinary sphincter is a long-term treatment option for severe stress urinary incontinence.

High patient satisfaction

Men who have been fitted with an artificial urinary sphincter report high satisfaction rates with their treatment. According to one study, 90% of long-term (more than 10 years) patients report that they were satisfied with their device.1 Studies also show that 94% would recommend the surgery to a friend or family member, 2 and 91% would have the surgery again.3

 

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Potential risks of having an artificial urinary sphincter

As with any procedure, there is a small risk of complications. These include but are not limited to haematoma and migration of the pump to another part of the body, and urinary tract infections. There are also the usual risks associated with surgery such as bleeding and infection. Other potential risks include:

  • Wearing away of the tissue
  • Device malfunction
  • Pain and soreness
  • Swelling and bruising at the wound site and on surrounding tissue
  • Inability to urinate

Some AUS devices contain an antibiotic treatment called InhibiZone™. Patients with allergies to antibiotics (rifampin, minocycline or other tetracyclines) or lupus should speak to their doctor about other treatment options, including AUS without InhibiZone. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the benefits, risks and side effects associated with this device.

View AUS safety information

 

The procedure for getting an artificial urinary sphincter

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Before

The artificial sphincter procedure is a surgery that is performed under general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep while it takes place.

During

The procedure requires 2 small incisions – one in the pelvic area, and another near your lower abdomen. These will be used to place your artificial sphincter and will then be closed using stitches.

After

You will have a catheter fitted when you wake up following your surgery, and you may also have an IV line to give you pain medication, antibiotics and any other medications you may need. If you need to leave hospital with a catheter, you will be shown how to care for this. It is important to be aware that you will need to go back to your doctor to have your artificial sphincter activated. Until this time, you may still experience urine leaks. You will need to wait up to 6 weeks to do any strenuous activity.

Download the male AUS brochure

Real stories about artificial urinary sphincter

Eric's story about an artificial urinary sphincter

 

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Your doctor can help you understand the cause of your incontinence and recommend the best treatment option for you.

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Frequently asked questions about artificial urinary sphincter

Your artificial urinary sphincter will be contained within your body and is completely concealed, so nobody needs to be aware that you have one unless you tell them. Urinary control is also discreet.

When the artificial urinary sphincter is placed into your body, it will be deactivated to give you time to heal. This means that you will still be incontinent immediately after your surgery. Instead, you will need to return to see your urologist around 6 weeks later for your artificial sphincter to be activated.

According to one study, 90% of long-term (more than 10 years) male patients report that they are satisfied with their artificial urinary sphincter and the relief from symptoms that it provides.1 94% of male patients would recommend the surgery to a friend or family member,2 and more than 90% would have the surgery again.3

Every patient is different, and you will need to have a consultation with your doctor to determine if an artificial urinary sphincter is the best treatment for your incontinence. They will be able to determine what is causing your incontinence and make a recommendation for the right treatment to help you regain control of your bladder.

References:

1. The law restricts 1. Léon, P, Chartier‐Kastler, E, Rouprêt, M, et al. Long‐term functional outcomes after artificial urinary sphincter implantation in men with stress urinary incontinence. BJU Int. 2015 Jun;115(6):951‐7.

2. Linder, B.J, Rivera, M.E, Ziegelmann, M.J, et al. Long‐term outcomes following artificial urinary sphincter placement: an analysis of 1082 cases at Mayo clinic. Urology. 2015 Sep;86(3):602‐7.

3. Viers, B.R, Linder, B.J, Rivera, M.E et al. Long-term quality of life and functional outcome among primary and secondary artificial urinary sphincter implantations in men with stress urinary incontinence. J Urol. 2016 Sept;163(3):838-43

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France. This material is for informational Purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician.

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