The physicians of Vitality Plus Urology are skilled in artificial urinary sphincter placement procedures. We invite referring physicians to consider us for their patients who may benefit from this procedure.
Definition of the Urinary Sphincter
The urinary sphincter is a muscle which clenches and allows you to hold in your urine. When you choose, you voluntarily relax the muscle to begin urination. For some people, particularly those with stress incontinence (involuntary leakage due to strenuous activity or coughing/sneezing/laughing, etc.) or males after prostate surgery, this muscle tends to weaken. These patients are candidates for artificial urinary sphincter placement.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement Procedure
An artificial urinary sphincter is a manmade device that mimics the body’s natural functions, providing reliable storage and unobstructed release of urine. It consists of a cuff that encircles the urethra. When the cuff is inflated with fluid, it closes off the urethra and prevents undesired flow or leakage. There is also a balloon which is surgically placed under the belly muscles. It is filled with the same fluid as the cuff. A pump inflates the cuff, and is surgically placed in the scrotum (for males) or under the skin of the lower belly (for females.) There is a valve to release the pressure of the cuff and allow voluntary flow.
Recovery
Patients are often catheterized after this procedure. The artificial urinary sphincter is not ready for use, as the surgical site must first heal. After about six to seven weeks of healing, the urologist will teach the patient how to use the device.
In general, most patients enjoy improved bladder control following this procedure. However, as the tissues surrounding the device continue to age, incontinence may return to some degree, requiring further surgical adjustment.
For your patients who may benefit from artificial urinary sphincter placement, Vitality Plus Urology is a referral you can make with confidence. Contact us today!