Artificial Urinary Male Sphincter – AUS
Why is it done?
- Male Stress incontinence/ Incontinence
- Usually after a TURP/TUVP, Radical Prostatectomy in 2% of cases as pre-described complication of surgery

How is it done?
- ·This procedure is done under a spinal /general anesthetic, as decided by the anesthetist.
- The legs will be elevated into the lithotomy position.
- A 7cm incision is made on the perineum space between scrotum and anus). Or penoscrotal junction. You will also have a small suprapubic incision.
- The silicone inflatable cuff is placed around the upper end of the corpora cavernosa of the penis under the muscle.
- The reservoir is placed behind the pubic bone
- The access port is placed in the scrotum; make sure it is on the side of your dominant hand.
- The cuff will only be activated 6 weeks after the surgery
- The wounds are closed with dissolvable sutures and/or skin glue.
- A local anesthetic is given for pain relief.
- A urinary catheter is placed for 24hrs.
- The catheter will be removed early the next morning.
- Prophylactic antibiotics will be given to prevent infection.
Complications
- Any anesthetic has its risks, and the anesthetist will explain all such risks.
- Complications: hemorrhaging, requiring blood transfusion <1%.
- Patients will wake up with a catheter in the urethra and bladder. This will remain in the bladder for 24 hrs.
- Pelvic pain for 10-14 days may occur, making it difficult to sit.
- You will be incontinent until the cuff is activated
- This may be less effective in irradiated patients
NB! Each person is unique and for this reason, symptoms may vary
What next?
- Patients will have a trial of void without catheter the next day. You will be incontinent until the device is activated in 6 weeks
- Patients will be discharged as soon as they can completely empty the bladder.
- Patients may initially suffer from urge incontinence, but this will improve within the next 6 weeks.
- Allow 6 weeks for symptoms to stabilize.
- Initial period of pelvic pain is expected.
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Copyright 2019 Dr Jo Schoeman








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