Male Artificial Urinary Sphincter
Description of Procedure
The Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) is a 3-piece hydraulic prosthesis. It is a replacement for your uinary valve or sphincter mechanism. This device has been used for over 30 years with few modifications and no competing AUS devices on the market. The implantation procedure is a 60 -90 minute outpatient surgery. It is accomplished through a 4-5 cm incision behind the scrotum to place the cuff around the urethra. A 5 cm groin incision is then needed for placement of the balloon reservoir and pump control component into the inside of the scrotum. You will not be able to use the device for 6 weeks after the surgery. This time is required to allow the incisions to heal and ensure that there is no swelling or tenderness before the device is activated and used.
After Procedure
If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact us.
What to Expect
Swelling and bruising of scrotum often progress for 24-48 hours before starting to improve.
May experience pain or discomfort around incision sites.
You should continue to be incontinent until the device is activated (usually 6 wks).
If you have an indwelling catheter please see catheter care. instructions.
Cautions
Report any of the following to your doctor:
Redness, foul-smelling drainage or separation of incision site.
Fever over 38.5 C
Severe pain unrelieved by medication
Inability to pass your urine
Diet
Clear liquid diet immediately after surgery.
Advance to usual diet as tolerated.
Try to avoid foods that constipate you and aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
Activity
Get up and about as soon as possible after surgery.
Walk as tolerated.
Use an ice bag on the scrotum for the first 24-48 hrs to reduce swelling.
Wrap the ice bag in a washcloth. Do not apply ice directly to skin. Apply 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off while awake.
Avoid lifting more than 20 lbs for one month.
No penile clamps. Try to keep pump straight in your scrotum.
Avoid pressure on your incision behind your scrotum.
Use a soft pillow or horseshoe cushion for sitting.
You may start showering 24-36 hrs after surgery. Avoid water stream directly on incision. You may sponge bathe. Do not submerge in a tub bath for 3-4 weeks.
You may start driving about 5-10 days after surgery. Do no drive if you are
still on narcotic pain medication or have limited mobility.
Medications
Take antibiotics as per prescription.
Use prescription pain medication as needed.
Do not apply ointments or creams to incisions.
Take a stool softener (obtain over the counter at local pharmacy) starting the night of your surgery. Stop taking stool softeners once having soft bowel movements. Do not take stool softeners if diarrhea occurs.
If you have not had a bowel movement by the 3rd day after your surgery, take a laxative (obtain at your local pharmacy over the counter).You may begin your regular medications when you leave the hospital unless instructed otherwise.
If you take bloodthinners (ASA, plavix, warfarin), your doctor will advise when you can start them again.