Single-component artificial urinary sphincter: Outcomes from one centre in Portugal

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Devices
• Men's Health

Background:

• Radical prostate cancer treatment frequently causes iatrogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in men.
• This condition significantly diminishes patients' quality of life (QoL).
• Effective management options for moderate-to-severe SUI are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of treating moderate-to-severe iatrogenic SUI in men using a single-component artificial urinary sphincter (AUS).
• To assess the efficacy, complication rates, and QoL improvements associated with the single-component AUS.

Main Methods:

• Prospective single-center study involving male patients with moderate-to-severe iatrogenic SUI.
• Diagnosis confirmed by a 24-hour pad weight test.
• Implantation of a single-component AUS, including cuff, pump, and tubing, with detailed documentation of complications (Clavien-Dindo classification) and QoL (ICIQ-SF).

Main Results:

• Twenty single-component AUS devices were implanted between May 2021 and March 2023.
• Mean follow-up was 15 months; 70% of patients achieved social continence (0-1 pad/day).
• Four patients (20%) experienced complications requiring revision/removal; mean ICIQ-SF score improved by 10.5 points.

Conclusions:

• The single-component AUS demonstrates promising efficacy for moderate-to-severe male SUI.
• It offers a good success rate, acceptable complication profile, and improved QoL.
• The surgical procedure is considered straightforward.