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Any experiences with Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) or Sling?
Hello. Just wondering if anyone has a long-ish term experience with either the sling or AUS. I had a partial nerve sparing prostatectomy in 2018. I have mostly recovered ED issues, but urinary incontinence persists (1-2 pads per 24 hours-fairly light). I now am looking at salvage radiation for BCR, and have read and been briefed that both issues will get worse down the road. I'm 62, very active-run, lift weights, etc. Could easily live with the current state, but concerned about getting worse. Thank you for any input
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I had an AUS implanted 11/5/25 following years of increasing incontinence secondary to a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy way back in 2006. I kept putting off the AUS, but now am pleased that it has considerably reduced, not stopped, my incontinence. This was an expected outcome due to the severity of my incontinence and my "aged" urethra (I turned 80 the week following surgery) . I only need 2 pads per day, vs 6-7 before surgery.
My concern now, though, is abdominal discomfort from my navel down to the groin area. I describe it as if I had a "chip-clip" attached to my abdominal wall. I can trace with my finger the AUS tubing just under the skin surface.
Is this the experience of others?
Any remedy?
@paulmetzler2010 Yes. I can feel the tubes, too (no, not yours) after the AUS was activated last July. I'll be mentioning it to my urologist later this month.
In terms of Kegels after 6 months.... I had physio for 6 months, trying to learn to move my pelvic floor. Total fail.
They say wait 12 months before moving on to the AUS. But I was so useless, I had mine after 9 months. Recovery was brutal, with surgery so soon after the last one.
But I went from 7 pads a day to 1 or 2.
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1 ReactionPeter -
Thanks for sharing. Yean, I'm interested to hear from others too about whether the tubing sits that close to the surface of the abdomen.
@paulmetzler2010 It feels like I've lost weight below my waist. My belt keeps needing tightening.
Still got my 9-month-pregnant tummy, though.
Maybe the tubes are easier to notice when you lose weight.
Jeff Marchi on this site recommended your comment about an alternative to the AUS device.
I am an active 82-year-old and had robotic surgery, and the cancer came back. 40 radiation treatments. 5-6 pads a day. I was told and will be meeting a physician, who specializes in AUS surgery. No one mentioned the Boston device. Thank you for your information. I am also going to look into that device. Hope you are still doing well.
@david1643
You have had radiation so the only choice you have is the AUS device.
I watched a presentation by a urologist who was very impressed by the ProACT Device and installed it in many people. They need discovered it doesn’t work with people that have had radiation, That hardens the urethra and makes it so that the balloons that Squeeze their urethra can’t do their job. The slang also doesn’t work with people who’ve had radiation.
Jeff,
Thank you for your reply. After reading for days, I am aware I do not have much choice. The device or put up with pads and using a Cunningham clamp. UGH!
How to deal with dermatitis in the groin with being constantly wet?
@david1643 Jeff and I have used the Wiesner clamp with great satisfaction for years. I wear it all day, off at night. The one pad a day I use is what many with an AUS use. The clamp is so easy and convenient, I put any thought of surgery behind me.
@pmckillion
Desitin is used by many parents to stop the same problem with their babies? Get a small tube of it and see if it works.