Often in cases of urinary incontinence, or stress urinary incontinence (SUI), individuals experience limited, or no, control of the muscles responsible for urinary storage. In more severe cases, or once other incontinence treatment options have been explored, patients and their physicians begin discussing more permanent solutions, such as an artificial urinary sphincter, or AUS.
What is an Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)?
An AUS is a medical device designed to help individuals who suffer from severe urinary incontinence. The standard AUS device (AMS 800) designed by Boston Scientific is made up of three parts: the cuff, pump, and reservoir. Each of these parts works in tandem to replicate the function of a healthy urinary sphincter. The device allows patients the ability to relax and constrict the muscles responsible for urine storage and flow.
How does an AUS Device Work?
An AUS device has no external parts. Its three parts (the cuff, pump, and reservoir) are completely concealed, placed within the lower abdomen and the scrotum. The cuff component directly controls urine flow. It is placed around the urethra, which, when inflated, compresses the urethra, preventing urine leakage. The pump is a small, manually operated component placed in the scrotum or labia. Patients can squeeze this pump to control the AUS. When squeezed, the pump transfers fluid from the cuff to the reservoir, causing the cuff to deflate and allowing the patient to urinate. The reservoir is a balloon-like component implanted within the abdominal cavity. It holds the fluid that inflates and deflates the cuff. The reservoir also regulates the pressure within the device, which helps ensure the cuff applies the right amount of pressure on the urethra. Each of these three parts works together in unison to provide continence control for individuals who have lost normal urinary sphincter function.
The AUS Procedure
The implantation of an AUS device, typically conducted under general anesthesia, involves small incisions in the lower abdomen and perineal area for component placement. This procedure is completed in a matter of hours at our outpatient surgery center and does not necessitate an overnight hospital stay, allowing patients to return home the same day. Post-operatively, you will receive specific recovery instructions from your surgeon, usually entailing several weeks of reduced activity. To ensure the device functions correctly, follow-up appointments are essential, during which any necessary adjustments to the pressure settings will be made.
Urinary Incontinence Solutions in Middle Tennessee
Determining whether an AUS device is right for you involves a thorough evaluation by an experienced urologist. Previous treatment options, the severity of incontinence, physical and cognitive limitations, and more will all be discussed. Interested in learning more? Contact our team today to schedule an appointment with a urologist.