“Urinary incontinence” is the medical term for leaking urine. Research estimates that around
Conservative methods, like controlling fluid intake or doing pelvic floor strengthening exercises, can usually treat mild urinary incontinence. If these methods don’t work, a doctor might recommend medications or surgery.
Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) surgery has been the
An AUS is a device that contains an inflatable cuff around the tube that leads from your bladder out of your body, called the urethra. It comes with a hand-operated pump to release the cuff and allow urine to pass through.
AUS surgery was originally developed for men who developed urinary incontinence after prostate removal. In recent years, an increasing number of AUS procedures have been used for other causes of urinary incontinence in men and women.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of AUS, what to expect during the procedure, and potential risks.
An AUS can effectively treat stress urinary incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence is when you leak urine when there’s increased pressure on your bladder during activities like:
- laughing
- sneezing
- coughing
- exercise
AUS surgery is the
AUS isn’t yet recognized as the gold standard
- mid-urethral slings
- tension-free vaginal tape
- transobturator tape
A
The majority of people don’t experience any problems after an AUS procedure. The most common complication is urinary retention, or the inability to fully empty the bladder. A urinary catheter can usually manage this.
Other complications can include:
- infection
- device malfunction
- blood in urine
- tearing of the urethra
- reaction to anesthesia during the procedure
- bleeding
- wasting of muscle in the urinary tract
- loss of bladder control
AUS surgery can be
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect before and during AUS surgery.
Before the procedure
It’s important to tell your surgeon ahead of time about any medications or supplements you’re taking. Your surgeon may tell you to stop taking certain medications that interfere with blood clotting.
An AUS surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the operation. Your surgeon will tell you how long before your surgery you’ll need to stop eating and drinking.
You may be given medication before your operation procedure to make you sleepy. You may also have hair around the surgery site removed.
During the procedure
Here’s what will happen during your procedure:
- You’ll receive an anesthetic intravenously. The IV will be connected to a vein in your hand or arm.
- Once you’re asleep, a surgeon will make an incision in the space between your scrotum and anus if you have a penis, or your labia and anus if you have a vagina. They will make another incision in your lower abdomen.
- The surgeon will fit the device into place and close the wounds with stitches.
When you wake up, you’ll have a catheter in place to help you urinate. Most people can go home the day after their surgery. In the 24 hours after the procedure, you will have to avoid:
- driving
- alcohol
- heavy meals
- operating heavy machinery
Your surgeon will also likely instruct you to keep your wounds dry for a couple of days.
You may have some soreness or bruising after your procedure. Applying ice can help reduce discomfort.
The device needs to be deactivated for about
In a 2018 Canadian study, researchers found the average 10-year cost of AUS implementation was
Most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of the AUS device and the surgery to implement it. However, it’s important to check your coverage ahead of time. Some parts of your treatment may not be covered.
Medicaid coverage varies by state within federal guidelines. In a 2022 study using publicly reported data, researchers found AUS insertion was covered in 48 out of 49 states. All states reported coverage for removal with or without revision.
An AUS comes with a hand pump to let urine pass through. For men, the pump is in the scrotum. For women, it’s placed in the labia.
Squeezing the pump will release the cuff for approximately
The only time you’ll need to interact with the device is when you squeeze the pump to urinate.
It’s important to go to all your scheduled follow-ups to make sure the device is functioning properly. AUS devices eventually need to be replaced, but they can last for many years.
AUS devices are compatible with MRIs, but it’s still a good idea to let healthcare professionals know ahead of time that you have one.
Other treatments for male urinary incontinence include:
Lifestyle changes
Mild incontinence may be treated by:
- limiting fluid intake, especially before bed
- cutting back on caffeine and alcohol
- losing weight if needed
- bladder training
Pelvic floor exercises
Your pelvic floor muscles control the flow of urine when you go to the bathroom. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for pelvic floor muscle training.
Electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation of your bladder may help restore your ability to control the urge to urinate as well as incontinence. Sacral nerve and tibial nerve stimulation are two techniques that may be used.
Medications
Medications used to treat urinary incontinence include:
Bulking agents
Bulking agents are injected around your urethra to put pressure on it and help it close. Some
Sling procedure
Another surgical option is a sling procedure. In this procedure, a pouch is made from a synthetic material to support the bladder and help the urethra stay closed. Like with AUS surgery, it’s generally only performed when other treatments don’t work.
Here are some frequently asked questions people have about AUS surgery.
When can you resume normal activity following AUS surgery?
You’ll likely be able to return to most of your light activities within a couple of days after your procedure. It’s a good idea to wait at least 4 weeks after your procedure to perform strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
What is the success rate for AUS procedures?
Success rates for AUS procedures range from 59% to 90%. They generally have high levels of satisfaction.
How long does an AUS last?
AUS devices wear out over time. Studies have found the average AUS life span is between 4.6 and 12.7 years.
Can you deactivate an AUS?
AUS devices come with a deactivation button. The device will be deactivated for about the first 6 weeks after your procedure. It will also need to be deactivated before you have a catheter fitted into your urethra.
An AUS is a device that’s used to treat urinary incontinence. It contains a cuff that prevents urine leaking and a hand pump in your scrotum or labia that releases the cuff and allows you to urinate.
AUS surgery is the gold standard treatment for severe stress urinary incontinence in men. It’s becoming a more popular treatment for women. Your doctor may recommend an AUS if more conservative treatments don’t work.