[Artificial sphincter for the treatment of incontinence]

The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has been successfully implanted in the last 40 years. Continuous improvement of the AUS and increasing experience with the device has led to its widespread acceptance. The major indication is still post-prostatectomy incontinence. In this collective patient satisfaction was reported in over 90%. In a number of patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction and congenital or acquired anatomical disorders of the urethra, an AUS can be an alternative to urinary diversion. Nonetheless, complications such as infections and erosions are still a problem, leading to revisions and secondary procedures in up to 20% of the cases. Therefore, operative expertise and precise execution of aseptic rules are basic prerequisites.