Radical prostatectomy is a crucial surgical procedure for treating prostate cancer. While highly effective in removing the disease, one of the most impactful complications on a patient’s quality of life can be post-operative urinary incontinence. If incontinence is mild or moderate, it often resolves with pelvic floor rehabilitation or medication. However, in cases of severe and persistent urinary incontinence, when other therapies fail, the AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter emerges as the gold standard solution.
Post-Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: A Daily Challenge
Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy is primarily due to damage to the external urethral sphincter, which is the muscular ring that controls urine flow. When this closing mechanism is compromised, the patient experiences urine leakage, often severe, which can drastically limit daily activities, social life, and overall quality of life. The continuous use of pads or diapers becomes a burden, and frustration can lead to isolation and psychological distress.
The AMS 800 Artificial Urinary Sphincter: Mechanism and Functionality
The AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter is a completely implantable prosthetic device designed to restore voluntary control of urination. It consists of three main components:
A cuff: a silicone ring that is placed around the urethra and, when inflated, compresses the urethra, preventing urine leakage.
A pump: positioned in the scrotum, accessible and controllable by the patient. By squeezing the pump, the patient transfers fluid from the cuff to a reservoir.
A reservoir: implanted in the abdomen, it contains the sterile fluid that circulates within the system.
When the patient wishes to urinate, they squeeze the scrotal pump. The fluid moves from the cuff to the reservoir, allowing the urethra to open and urine to flow. After a few minutes, the cuff automatically re-inflates, closing the urethra and restoring continence.
The Surgical Procedure and Expected Outcomes
The implantation of the AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter is a relatively straightforward surgical procedure, performed by urologists experienced in prosthetic surgery. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the success rates in restoring continence are very high, with most patients regaining excellent urinary control and a significant reduction or elimination of pad use. Ideal candidates for the AMS 800 are patients with severe and persistent urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy who have unsuccessfully tried other therapies and have good manual dexterity to operate the device.
A Return to Normalcy and Dignity
For those suffering from severe urinary incontinence, the implantation of the AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter represents a radical change in quality of life. It allows patients to regain freedom, dignity, and confidence, eliminating the anxiety and embarrassment associated with urine leakage. It is a proven and reliable solution that gives patients back control over their bodies and their lives. If urinary incontinence is affecting your quality of life after a radical prostatectomy, talk to your urologist. The AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter might be the solution you are looking for.
