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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
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Transcorporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Placement in a Case Requiring Revision for Urethral Atrophy
Published on: June 16, 2022
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Medical malpractice after artificial urinary sphincter implantation.
Imran Khawaja1, Zachary Boston1, Hassan Choudhry1
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
Translational Andrology and Urology
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Medical malpractice litigation is a risk for urologic surgeons implanting artificial urinary sphincters (AUS). Device damage and placement technique failures were common causes, with the South having the most cases.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Malpractice Law
Background:
- Artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) are the gold standard for managing moderate to severe urinary incontinence.
- Potential risks include erosion, infection, and mechanical device failure.
- Understanding litigation risks associated with AUS placement is crucial for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first investigation into medical malpractice cases involving artificial urinary sphincter placement.
- To identify common causes and outcomes of litigation related to AUS implantation.
Main Methods:
- Searched LexisNexis+ and Westlaw databases for cases involving "artificial urinary sphincter" or "artificial urethral sphincter" (1990-2024).
- Included cases where patients sued urologists or medical systems post-AUS implantation.
- Excluded cases where the primary lawsuit concerned prostate surgery preceding AUS placement.
Main Results:
- A total of 27 cases were analyzed after exclusions (24 from LexisNexis+, 3 from Westlaw).
- Defendants prevailed in 14 cases; plaintiffs won 4 cases (awards $46.4K-$980K).
- 4 cases settled ($70K-$4.5M); device damage (46%) and placement technique failure (33%) were primary litigation causes.
- The Southern US had the most cases (58%).
Conclusions:
- Urologic surgeons performing artificial urethral sphincter implantations face a significant risk of medical malpractice litigation.
- Common litigation drivers include device damage, surgical technique failures, and issues with informed consent.
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