Sling, or artificial urinary sphincter?

Posted by peterj116 @peterj116, Dec 4, 2024

I'm getting way ahead of myself here, but terrible incontinence (9 pads per day) after 10 weeks is getting me down.

Given that I still can't move my pelvic floor muscles at all after 5 physio sessions (the physio was so frustrated, she's fled all the way to Canada. So now I have to start again) I'm thinking that surgery may be on the cards soon.

Has anyone had the sling or artificial sphincter done?
My GP was horrified at the prospect of the sling - saying that recovery is worse than the incontinence.

What is the recovery & success rate like for either procedure?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

jimgaudette | @jimgaudette | Feb 3 10:11am

I got IPP and AUS implants done at the same time a little over a year ago. I am extremely happy with both. I was 74 years old at the time of the surgery and in good health. I had minimal pain, swelling or bruising from the surgery and was up and around after a couple of days. They usually make you wait for six weeks before activating the devices, because they want everything to be healed first.

jimgaudette | @jimgaudette | Feb 3 10:15am

In reply to @gmul "Lee I was told by my Uro to wear a medical alert bracelet with: "Artificial Urethral..." + (show)

@gmul Same here

Jeff Marchi | @jeffmarc | Feb 3 10:31am

In reply to @maumee1967 "@jeffmarc Thanks for the reply. My PSA jumped from .20 in July to .23 at the..." + (show)

@maumee1967
Your PSA has hit the point where salvaged radiation may be needed. It can be useful for the CT to be done at this point to see what it finds.

You may want to check out this video. It seems to apply to exactly your situation. You have a very slow rise in PSA. Is treatment necessary/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-castration-sensitive-pc-patients-being-over-treated/

Jeff Marchi | @jeffmarc | Feb 3 12:04pm

In reply to @jayhoward0521 "@maumee1967 I use one to two pads a day. My urologist told me that he didn't..." + (show)

@jayhoward0521
I’m 78 and I’ve had a stomach surgery, Knee replacement surgery and hip replacement surgery in the last four years. 70 is not too old unless you have health issues. If you’ve had radiation, the sling is not a great idea. It doesn’t work well and recovery can be difficult for some.

Find a urologist that specializes in incontinence. Makes a big difference when you find somebody that does these procedures frequently. You could very well Have the ProACT Device installed instead of the AUS. It doesn’t require pressing a bulb to pee. Again, though it doesn’t work well if you’ve had radiation, That hardens the urethra and makes The product unsuitable. The AUS is supposed to last 10 years, though it, of course could last less time

I am scheduled to have an AUS installed April 2. Guess I’m not too old. My health is good with low blood pressure, good monthly blood test results and very low cholesterol. Sure, I’ve had prostate cancer for 16 years and take three different blood pressure medication’s twice a day, but they work. I also run 1 mile twice a day on the track and go to the gym three days a week to do weight exercises.

Don’t let one urologist make life decisions for you speak to one that specializes in the area you want to be treated for.