Artificial Urinary Sphincter and Male Sling

Artificial Sphincter
Men with urinary incontinence that fails to respond to non-surgical treatments such as medications, Kegel exercises, biofeedback and others, may be candidates for the artificial sphincter. Common candidates for the artificial sphincter include among others men who had prostate removal for prostate cancer, resection of the prostate, procedures for urethral strictures or neobladder surgery. The artificial sphincter consists of 3 pieces: a cuff around the urethra, a pressurizing balloon behind the abdominal muscles and a pump inside the scrotum.

When it is time to urinate, the patient simply squeezes an implanted pump in the scrotum to deflate the cuff that is implanted around the urethra, so that urine may flow through the urethra. The pump will close on its own after urination is complete. The cuff will prevent urine from leaking after urination is finished. The surgery may be done as an outpatient procedure in a surgi-center, or with a hospital stay of one night. The complications are relatively uncommon, including among other things infection, erosion and malfunction. Multiple studies have shown high success with the artificial sphincter. Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh has long-term experience with the artificial sphincter surgery. His expertise ranges from managing new cases to managing difficult cases in patients with prior surgery for incontinence, scar tissue around the urethra or other special cases.

Male Sling
Another option for treatment of urinary incontinence may be the male sling in selected patients as an alternative to the artificial sphincter. The male sling is a synthetic tape that is implanted into the pelvis to provide support for the urethra. This surgery is frequently done as an outpatient procedure in a surgi-center or a hospital. The complications are relative uncommon, including among other things, infection and erosion. In properly selected cases, the male sling may provide satisfactory success. Alternatively, the doctor might implant a male sling, which provides support for the urethra until it is time to urinate. This procedure secures the urethra to the pelvic bone and eliminates leakage of urine until it is so desired.

Men who failed non-surgical treatments for urinary incontinence, especially those who had prostate removal for prostate cancer may inquire about the artificial urinary sphincter and the male sling by contacting us at +1 212-249-6060 or by email to schedule an initial evaluation.