Transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter cuff placement is associated with a higher risk of postoperative urinary...

To explore the association of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuff sizes and placement techniques with the development of postoperative urinary retention.

We analyzed the outcomes of AUS cases performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary referral center from 2007-2010. Outcomes relating to urinary retention and suprapubic tube placement were analyzed in three groups: those with 3.5 cm cuff placement, ≥ 4 cm cuff placement, and transcorporal cuff (TC) placement of any size.

Among 139 patients who underwent AUS placement from 2007-2010, 117 cases met inclusion criteria - 42 men received a 3.5 cm cuff, 53 received a ≥ 4 cm cuff, and 22 received a TC cuff (all ≥ 4 cm). TC patients had a significantly higher rate of urinary retention compared to the ≥ 4 cm group [7/22 (32%) versus 4/53 (8%), p = 0.02] as well as a higher rate of SPT placement [6/22 (27%) versus 1/53 (2%), p = 0.007].

Transcorporal cuff placement is associated with a significantly higher rate of urinary retention and suprapubic tube placement compared to traditional 4 cm cuff placement.