Continence mechanisms following transphincteric urethroplasty

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Physiology

Background:

• Urinary continence relies on both intrinsic and extrinsic sphincteric mechanisms.
• The precise role and location of these sphincters in males require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional capacity of the intrinsic sphincteric mechanism in male urinary continence.
• To determine if the intrinsic sphincter can maintain continence independently.

Main Methods:

• Studied 6 male patients with varying degrees of urethral stricture and surgical interventions.
• Assessed the ability to interrupt urinary stream via voluntary muscle contraction.

Main Results:

• All patients could control urinary flow using the intrinsic sphincter, even without an extrinsic sphincter.
• In two patients, the intrinsic sphincter was the only functional sphincter post-prostatectomy.

Conclusions:

• The intrinsic sphincteric mechanism is intramurally located and somatically innervated.
• This intrinsic mechanism alone is sufficient for complete male urinary continence.