According to the evidence profiling efforts of the World Health Organization, population based studies report 9.9%- 36.1% people affected by urinary incontinence. This figure is twice as high for older women than men. Goes without saying that the quality of life of such a large number of people is compromised due to this condition. The fact that some of them experience depression and require constant care makes it even more stressful. Thankfully, medical treatments like an artificial urinary sphincter implant could come to your rescue when making this condition more manageable.
What is an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS)?
An AUS is an artificial device implanted in the place of a damaged sphincter allowing you to control the flow of urine. It is a hand controlled device filled with a sterile saline solution that opens and closes the urethra to give you full control of your bladder. The device consists of an inflatable cuff, a pump and a pressure regulating balloon. During your surgery an incision is made in the lower abdomen to place the cuff around the bladder neck. The reservoir is positioned in the lower tummy and in case of women the pump is put in the labia. For men the pump to control the cuff is placed into the scrotum. This pump when squeezed helps you inflate or deflate the cuff for you to manually control it.
This surgery requires adept hands therefore you should see a reputed Artificial Urinary Sphincter Implant Specialist in South Florida when considering this surgery.
Are there any alternatives to an AUS?
There are no surgical alternatives to an AUS. Doctors recommend an AUS only after a thorough examination of the patient.
What to expect before surgery?
Usually a surgery by an Artificial Urinary Sphincter Implant specialist in South Florida will begin with a urine sample. This sample is tested to determine that you do not have a urinary tract infection. In case such an infection is detected, the doctor prescribes you antibiotics to dispel it. Even if an infection is not detected, as a precautionary measure, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent any infection. Any existing medication may be reviewed and halted for the time deemed fit by the doctor. A Urologist doctor will also advise you on when you can resume your other medications.
What are the post surgical precautions?
Post surgery, the body will typically take about 4-6 weeks to recover, which is also when another appointment with the doctor is scheduled. In this period your implant is still not activated because the tract needs time to recover fully in order for you to use the implant. This also means that urine leakage will continue to occur within this time period. Any pain the pelvic area or during urination is considered normal but you should bring your doctor in the loop in case of severe pain. Doctors usually prescribe medicines to deal with these symptoms.
Some precautions that may be requested from you would be:
Consume enough liquid. A healthy urine output of 2 liters should do you good.
Any weight higher than 5 kg should be entirely avoided
Thermal baths or visits to sauna should be avoided
Sexual activity should also be avoided
Avoid any activity that can cause stress in and around the operation site such as cycling or horseback riding.
In case of swelling, pain, redness or blood loss, the operation area or inability to urinate, consult with your doctor without any delay. The artificial sphincter comes as a crucial tool to help massively improve the quality of life of people suffering from this condition.
Comments