Artificial Urinary Sphincter or AUS implantation is a standard treatment for helping people with stress urinary incontinence. This procedure will help you control your bladder by using a hand-operated pump. This pump can be used to compress and also release the cuff around the urethra.
This AUS system will consist of several devices, including the inflatable cuff around the urethra, a valve/pump to control the cuff (it will be placed on the scrotum), a reservoir to keep the pressure in the system and store the liquid (it will be placed around the belly). The main purpose of this AUS implantation is the reduce urine leakage, especially during certain activities, such as running, coughing, sneezing, or weightlifting.
When do doctors usually recommend the AUS implantation procedure?
AUS is usually recommended for treating severe urinary incontinence. This procedure will have a long-lasting effect, so it can be used to improve your life quality significantly. Before the surgery is done, you can talk with the best artificial urinary sphincter implant specialist in South Florida and the nurses.
They are going to discuss how all devices work, so you can feel comfortable when using any of these devices. Some doctors will also do several tests for ensuring that you can use the AUS procedure safely. You may be required to do some assessments or tests, such as pad test, cystoscopy, and also urodynamic study.
How is the AUS implantation done?
You will be asleep under the general anesthesia procedure before you can continue to the main procedure of the AUS implantation. The spinal anesthesia will be used to block the nerve response to the painful effect of this procedure. Here are some steps required to complete this procedure.
- The bladder will be emptied. A professional surgeon will insert the catheter for ensuring that your bladder is empty before entering the main procedure.
- An incision will be made between the scrotum and also your anus for placing the cuff around the urethra area.
- The AUS will be placed. After the cuff is placed around the urethra, the pump will be positioned around the scrotum. This procedure will be done without any further incision procedures. This pump will be connected to the other elements of the device.
- The cuff will be left open for a few weeks until the doctor activates the system later in the outpatient clinic.
What should you do to get ready for the procedure?
Before you have this surgery, the doctor will ask you for a urine sample. This testing procedure is very useful to ensure that you don’t have a UTI or urinary tract infection. When you have this UTI problem, you should treat it with antibiotics first before you start the surgery. There are some other important procedures that you need to do before you go through the general anesthesia procedure.
You should not eat, drink, and smoke a few hours before the surgery procedure. If you are consuming any medications, you should discuss them with your favorite artificial urinary sphincter implant specialist in South Florida. You may want to consider stopping the medication consumption a few days before the surgery is done.
How long does it take to get back to your normal activities?
It depends on how the procedure is performed. The doctor can remove the catheter a few days after the surgery procedure is done. Then, you can leave the hospital in 2 - 3 days after the implantation surgery. However, you may stay in the hospital for a longer time when you cannot urinate completely or you have some infection problems in the wound area.
After you leave the hospital, you may need some time to recover from the surgery completely. Many professional doctors will never activate the AUS system until the lower urinary tract system in your body has already completely healed. They are going to schedule an appointment with you for activating the device in about 4 - 6 weeks after the surgery is done. However, you should call them or go back to the hospital immediately when you have any of these emergency signs, such as fever, heavy blood loss, extreme pain in the wound area, bleeding wound, swelling, or pain in the scrotum.
Comments