The artificial urinary sphincter. A new solution for incontinent patients

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Devices
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting quality of life.
• Artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) have been used for several years in other centers.
• The availability of AUS implantation is expanding to new urology departments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the availability of artificial urinary sphincter implantation for urinary incontinence at Belfast City Hospital.
• To report the initial outcomes of AUS implantation in a new patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of twelve patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter implantation.
• Assessment of patient continence status post-implantation.
• Documentation of any device-related complications or adverse events.

Main Results:

• Ten out of twelve patients achieved full urinary continence after AUS implantation.
• One patient experienced device removal due to urethral erosion.
• Another patient could not activate the device due to active Wegener's granulomatosis affecting the urethra.

Conclusions:

• Artificial urinary sphincter implantation is a viable and successful treatment for urinary incontinence.
• The procedure demonstrates a high success rate in achieving continence.
• Potential complications such as erosion and disease-specific issues require careful patient selection and monitoring.