Connect
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.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@peterj116
It so happens that I just finished a tele-visit with a USC Keck Medicine specialist in this area. One of the written questions I asked him was:
“I am also in the very early stages of considering an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) for my persistent post-prostatectomy stress incontinence. If I ultimately decide to pursue both an AUS and sacral neuromodulation, is there a preferred sequence for these procedures? Would you recommend addressing one before the other, and if so, why?”
He said that the sequence doesn’t really matter and that we can tackle whichever problem is causing me the most trouble right now.
I told him that I am managing my incontinence with clamps during the day and pads at night, but I haven’t been able to get a handle on my OAB, which causes me considerable anxiety when I travel or attend social engagements. So, I’m leaning toward tackling the OAB first.
The nice thing about InterStim is that if it doesn’t significantly improve my OAB during the two-week trial period, the system can simply be removed.
Bottom line: I’m seriously considering going this route. Since the doctor is already booked for several weeks, I may be able to have the trial conducted before the end of the year.
I’ll keep everyone posted.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAnother possible solution is this:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/urology/news/expanding-neuromodulation-for-overactive-bladder-tibial-sacral-and-beyond/mac-20594008
Kinda like a pacemaker for your bladder.
They implant a small device in your lower back & somehow it send signals to the bladder to calm down.
I only read about it briefly, so don't know that much about it, but that option is certainly there.
@lagnafinc
How was the other said? It takes five to six weeks Before you have recovered enough to activate it. At that point, you are completely healed from the surgery. Activating it is no big deal once it’s activated you just use it. You get Used to using it in a few days.
@jeffmarc I am meeting with VA to decide on having the surgery sept 15
Sex is very important because none with leakage