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Artificial Urinary Sphincter: A Proven Solution for Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Surgery
Urinary leakage after prostate surgery is more common than many men expect—and it can have a major impact on daily life. From limiting physical activity to causing embarrassment in social situations, post-prostate incontinence can affect confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life.
The good news is that effective treatment options are available. For men with moderate to severe urinary leakage, the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is widely considered the gold standard.
At Mayo Clinic, decades of experience and research show that this treatment can provide lasting, meaningful improvement for most patients.
What Is an Artificial Urinary Sphincter?
An artificial urinary sphincter is a small, implanted device that helps men regain control of urination. It works by mimicking the function of a healthy urinary sphincter, allowing patients to control when they urinate.
While the idea of an implanted device can feel intimidating, it is important to understand that this is a well-established, highly effective treatment with a long track record of success.
Artificial urinary sphincter device showing pump in the scrotum.
Does the Surgery Really Work?
This is one of the most common—and important—questions patients ask.
At Mayo Clinic, our team has studied outcomes from more than 2,200 artificial urinary sphincter procedures, representing the largest single-institution experience in the world. This research spans nearly four decades.
“What we consistently see is that most men experience a meaningful and lasting improvement in their quality of life,” says Dr. Daniel S. Elliott, urologist at Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Elliott and his surgical team during his milestone 2,000th artificial urinary sphincter procedure in 2024.
Key Results Patients Should Know:
- Most men go from multiple pads per day to one pad or less
- Significant improvement in daily function and confidence
- Benefits are durable, lasting for years after surgery
- Over 90% of patients would recommend the procedure
- More than 80% would choose to have the surgery again
What Life Looks Like After Surgery
Before surgery, many men structure their day around leakage—wearing pads, limiting activity, and worrying about accidents.
After AUS placement, patients often report:
- Greater freedom to travel and exercise
- Improved sleep and comfort
- Less anxiety in social settings
- Increased confidence in daily life
While not every patient becomes completely dry, most experience dramatic improvement.
“We focus on meaningful improvement,” says Dr. Elliott. “For many men, regaining control and confidence is life-changing.”
Is the Artificial Urinary Sphincter Right for You?
The AUS is typically recommended for men with:
- Moderate to severe urinary incontinence after prostate surgery
- Persistent symptoms despite conservative treatments
Importantly, studies show that many common conditions—such as:
- Prior radiation therapy
- Diabetes
do not significantly reduce the benefits of surgery.
Factors like age and smoking status may influence outcomes, but most patients still experience substantial improvement.
Why Experience Matters
Artificial urinary sphincter placement is a technically complex procedure, and outcomes are closely tied to surgical expertise.
At Mayo Clinic:
- Surgeons have performed thousands of cases
- Techniques have been refined over decades
- Care is delivered by a high-volume, specialized team
“Having extensive experience allows us to optimize technique and deliver the best possible results for patients,” says Dr. Elliott.
You Don’t Have to Live With Urinary Leakage
Many men delay seeking treatment because they assume nothing can be done—or that surgery won’t help.
But the evidence is clear:
- Effective treatments exist
- Outcomes are strong and long-lasting
- Quality of life can significantly improve
“You do not have to live with this condition,” says Dr. Elliott. “There are effective solutions, and for most men, they work very well.”
Take the Next Step
If you are experiencing urinary leakage after prostate surgery, a specialized evaluation can help determine whether an artificial urinary sphincter—or another treatment—is right for you.
At Mayo Clinic, our team provides comprehensive, patient-centered care backed by decades of experience and research.
Schedule a consultation today to learn about your options and take the first step toward regaining control.
HELPFUL LINKS
- Learn more about our discussion group at Mayo Clinic Connect
- Explore Mayo’s Department of Urology
- Request an appointment.
- Learn more about Urinary Incontinence
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Could you also post this in the prostate cancer support gtoup?
@budisnothome, thanks for the suggestion. I will post it in the related discussions.
How about the less invasive ProAct for someone as myself that had surgery. Can you still have the AUS after ProAct
@tuckerp
Hello tuckerp! Due to my pelvic floor tightness which cuts off the pudendal nerve, my urologist has recommended the ProAct rather than the AUS. He says it not as reliable as the AUS, but is less invasive, and about 80-90% effective. How has the ProAct been for you?