[Urinary incontinence. Experiences with the artificial urethral sphincter AS 800]

Since 1983, 62 patients with incontinence of urine (43 men and 19 women) were treated with an artificial sphincter model AS 800. During the period of observation, the artificial sphincters were removed in five patients on account of complications and six patients had died. In 22 patients, a total of 34 operations were required on account of complications. Out of 51 patients with artificial sphincters at the time of this review, 43 (84%) had experienced improvement: 15 (29%) were completely continent and 18 (35%) had only slight stress incotinence. It is concluded that the technical improvement which has taken place has improved the therapeutic results and approximately halved the number of complications requiring treatment.