Connect
← Return to Can anyone share their experience with ProACT (an AUS)?
Discussion
Can anyone share their experience with ProACT (an AUS)?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Apr 15 7:07pm | Replies (71)Comment receiving replies
@jeffmarc Hello and thanks to you and everyone else who have contributed to this discussion about ProACT.
I wanted to share my story, in hope for receiving additional insights on my particular situation.
Following a radical prostatectomy in 2023, my PSA was undetectable for 1 year. But cancer recurrence required 6 weeks of radiation and hormone therapy. My incontinence following both procedures was mild to moderate. Using 1-2 regular pads/day. I researched all stress urinary incontinence options and landed on ProACT.
Procedure completed in January, 2025 and 7 adjustments made to date. However, I was still leaking (1-2 ounces per day). My goal was to just have drips. Maybe — completely dry.
However, my leakage worsened — having to change my thin Depend liner twice in a day, leaking more than 2 ounces. I was bummed. My surgeon (Dr Flynn - UCHealth) deflated both balloons and ordered an MRI. Results showed one of the balloons was not positioned correctly. He suggested revision surgery.
I was aware of the potential for device failure because of my radiation therapy. I’m now in a weird position — and would value any input. Should I proceed with revision surgery? Thank you all — I appreciate your thoughts. TL3
Replies to "@jeffmarc Hello and thanks to you and everyone else who have contributed to this discussion about..."
@tommylee3
I also had radical and, radiation in 2015. Not a drop until 2024 when I had stricture surgery. Since then 100% leakage. Leak surgeon wanted to do ProAct. Obviously I was hesitant since he put me in this position. Since then saw 3 other surgeons. All said no to ProAct. AUS was the only way to go because of radiation. I have now resigned myself to AUS and, the fact I have to push a button. Not a great option but, can't go on with a day clamp and, all night leakage.
Connect
@tommylee3
I attended an Online conference where a urologist who specialize in incontinence discussed all the different types of procedures and devices.
He said that when ProACT Came out he really liked the device and put it in a number of patients figuring it would work well. Then he found out that it did not work well with patient who had radiation because the urethra gets hardened and the way ProACT worked it was not capable of squeezing the urethra enough to stop leakage.
This seems to be exactly the problem you’re having.
People that have had an AUS installed have not reported similar problems. That’s probably because the AUS has a collar it puts around the urethra that can squeeze it tighter than the balloons used in ProACT.
I actually saw the doctor last week about having one installed and will have it done, probably in February.
I’m not sure if you can switch to an AUS, But I think it would resolve your problem.
Speak to a urologist who specializes in incontinence and find out what their thoughts are. I found that one problem is that some urologist are not real familiar with ProACT and have not used it much if at all. They are all familiar with the AUS.