Need advice regarding AUS

Posted by geno2853 @geno2853, May 25 8:15am

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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grandpun | @grandpun | May 26 6:49am

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.

dickynee | @dickynee | May 27 7:44am

I hear good reports about the artificial sphincters .. a quick easy operation with good results

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 7 8:25pm

@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/