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Considering an Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS): Need advice
I had a prostatectomy in 2013, followed by radiation in 2013 and more radiation in 2024. My leaking has continued to worsen. My new urologist recommended that I consider an artificial urinary sphincter. He says he’s performed “a lot” of them. By chance, he was a resident 3 years ago, assisting one of my previous urologists. He completed a fellowship last year and is now back at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He’s taken over my care from my previous urologist who retired last year.
My questions: I know would want a surgeon who has done a lot of them successfully. How should I investigate? If my doctor says he has done a lot, should I believe him? What is a lot? If he says he’s had a good success rate, should I believe him? What is a good success rate? I doubt he’s going to give me his client list. All I know to do is to ask around, see if anyone has had AUS, find out who they went to, and ask what their experience was. I can do that here in this forum, but does that mean I’d need to travel to another city? Thanks.
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@script72
Not only do I get a message about it, but everybody else has been Replying in this particular message set Also gets notified. Everyone can see it if reading through the messages.
@script72, yes @budisnothome made a good suggestion about the group search. You can see all the AUS-related discussions here:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/
Did you decide to go ahead with getting an artificial urinary sphincter?
I'd suggest a two-fold question: Has your surgeon ever done trauma repair surgery of the affected areas (bladder, prostate, and urethra)?
And have they ever done gender affirming surgery? (doubtful in AL?)
If you get 'yes' answers to both that's a skilled surgeon.
If you want to travel to the Detroit area send me a personal message for my surgeon's contact info.
Experience seems to be a key indicator of a good surgeon for this procedure.
Best of outcomes in your search.
I hear good reports about the artificial sphincters .. a quick easy operation with good results
@geno2853, you may appreciate these 2 blog posts written by Mayo Clinic experts:
- ProACT vs AUS: Which Surgery Is Best for Male Urinary Incontinence?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/mens-health-1/newsfeed-post/proact-vs-aus-which-surgery-is-best-for-male-urinary-incontinence/
- Urinary Leakage After Prostate Surgery: Treatment Options and When to Consider an Artificial Urinary https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/mens-health-1/newsfeed-post/urinary-leakage-after- prostate-surgery-treatment-options-and-when-to-consider-an-artificial-urinary/
- Told You’re Not a Candidate for an Artificial Urinary Sphincter After Radiation? Think Again https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/mens-health-1/newsfeed-post/told-youre-not-a-candidate-after-radiation-think-again-restoring-urinary-control-with-an-artifici/
Also see all AUS related discussions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/
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2 ReactionsThanks. The link on when to consider AUS seems to have vanished.
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1 ReactionAre you still thinking about putting in an AUS?. I had a great surgeon who put mine in and I had a very little pain. Recovered quickly and had it activated in five weeks..
I seemed to be 100% continent. Only had it a few days, but I’m not leaking at all.
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8 ReactionsI had 100% incontinence until Dr. Baumgarten at UAB implanted the AUS. For me it has been a complete success and life changing event.
I would trust the surgeon at UAB Urology .
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1 Reaction@jeffmarc Thanks. Who was your surgeon? What year was it performed?
@geno2853
I had it put in On June 4 and activated on July 10. This year.
Here’s the link to information on the doctor
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1618786/
Here’s a link to information about my experience, actually having it installed and activated
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1618745/