Artificial Urinary Sphincter

Urinary incontinence can be managed with an artificial urinary sphincter.

The urinary sphincter constricts the urethra to keep urine from being released from the bladder. When an individual is ready to urinate, this sphincter relaxes to allow urine to flow through the urethra and out of the body.

An artificial urinary sphincter may be necessary to replace a natural urinary sphincter that is not functioning properly.
This device is used to keep urine flow more under control.

How It Works

The artificial sphincter contains multiple components

The cuff surrounds the urethra to control urine flow

Fluid pressure helps the device function properly

An artificial sphincter is a device that is made up of three parts. The inflatable cuff, typically made out of silicone rubber, is placed around the urethra close to where it meets the bladder. A very small balloon is filled with fluid and provides control for the pressure required for the sphincter to work properly, which is placed in the pelvic region.

A small bulb acts as a control pump to allow for manual inflation or deflation of the cuff. This pump is generally placed in the scrotum in men and the mons veneris in women. The individual can use the pump to release pressure from the urethral cuff when it is time to urinate. These pumps will typically allow the cuff to remain open for a set amount of time before automatically re-inflating the cuff to close off the flow of urine.

Device Operation

The artificial urinary sphincter is designed to allow manual control of the cuff. A pump allows the individual to control the device.

A small bulb acts as a control pump to allow manual inflation or deflation of the cuff.

The pump is generally placed in the scrotum in men and the mons veneris in women.

The individual can use the pump to release pressure from the urethral cuff when it is time to urinate.

The cuff remains open for a set amount of time before automatically re-inflating to close off the flow of urine.

Who Is a Candidate?

Urinary problems caused by cancer may require this device

Neurological conditions may contribute to sphincter dysfunction

Childbirth or menopause may lead to incontinence

Surgical treatments may also cause urinary control problems

An artificial urinary sphincter is regularly used to treat certain types of incontinence, such as for stress incontinence or urge incontinence.

Treatment Considerations

Conservative treatments are usually tried first

andidates must have healthy bladder function

The urethra must be able to support the device

Physicians evaluate overall medical history

An individual may also benefit from the placement of an artificial urinary sphincter due to incontinence caused by surgical treatments. When more conservative methods of treatment fail to provide relief, an artificial sphincter may be considered as long as the patient has no other medical problems that affect the urethra or the bladder.

What to Expect

Surgical Placement

The placement of an artificial sphincter requires surgery. Because the patient will be given anesthesia, avoidance of foods and beverages may be required for several hours before the procedure. One or two incisions will be made, either in the lower abdomen, the scrotum, or the labia, in order to place the device. An overnight stay is often required with this type of surgery.

Recovery and Activation

The physician will provide patient care instructions following the procedure. It can take 6 to 8 weeks of healing before the specialist will activate the device so that the individual can begin using it.

Long-Term Results

The physician will provide the necessary instructions for use and care of the device. The artificial urinary sphincter has about a 90% satisfaction rate.