When your external urinary sphincter is working properly, it allows urine to pass from the bladder through the urethra and out of your body. It is a small muscle that controls the release of urine. However, if this muscle is not working well and has been compromised by factors like previous surgery, you may have urinary incontinence and not be able to control urinary flow and leakage. It’s possible to have an artificial one implanted, but who is a candidate for an artificial urinary sphincter?
Best Candidates for an Artificial Urinary Sphincter
It’s important to be evaluated by a physician like Dr. Pranav D. Dadhich to determine if you meet the criteria for getting an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). Not everyone is a good candidate and in some situations, an artificial sphincter can be contra-indicated.
Much of the evaluation for determining a good candidate for an AUS revolves around your symptoms, degree of incontinence and the previous therapies that have been attempted.
Men who have undergone prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) or radiation therapy for prostate cancer will often suffer from stress urinary incontinence and can be great candidates for an AUS.
Prior to placement of an AUS, a thorough evaluation should be performed which involves a careful assessment and demonstration of symptoms as well as a structural evaluation of the urethra and bladder. There are a few absolute contraindications to AUS implantation that we would discuss during our evaluation.
The Freedom of Control
Once an artificial sphincter has been implanted, it gives the patient manual control of their urine flow. In the default state, the sphincter is closed and prevents leakage of urine. When a patient desires to urinate, he is able to squeeze the control pump to transition the sphincter to the open position which allows for urine to pass.
It has a high satisfaction rate of 90% and is the best treatment for urinary incontinence in men.
Finding the Right Surgeon
It is imperative that you find a surgeon who has the experience and expertise to perform the implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter like Dr. Pranav D. Dadhich in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.
Our office will provide all the necessary information for post-surgical care and any complications that could arise.
Schedule an Appointment in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Today
If you are weary of the embarrassment of urinary incontinence, contact Dr. Pranav D. Dadhich at (817) 784-8268 for an evaluation to find out if you are a candidate for an artificial urinary sphincter.
Sources: Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Sphincter Urethrae – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
Artificial Sphincter Implant – Top Urologist NYC
Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) | Urology of Greater Atlanta (ugatl.com)