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Urinary Sphincter Implementation 
& Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) Solutions

What is Your 
Urinary Sphincter?

The urinary sphincter is a critical muscle that controls the flow of urine from the bladder (see Figure 1). When this muscle is contracted (closed), it keeps urine from leaking out of the bladder. Normally, the urinary sphincter remains closed until you consciously relax it to urinate. Once relaxed, urine flows out of your bladder and exits your body through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out.

For some individuals, controlling the urinary sphincter can become difficult, leading to involuntary urine leakage. This condition often occurs after prostate surgery or radiation therapy.

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Components of an AUS:

If you lose control of your natural urinary sphincter, an Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) may be recommended to help regain control (see Figure 2). The AUS is designed to mimic the function of your natural sphincter, allowing you to manage urine flow.

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Urethral Cuff:

Wraps around your urethra, controlling the flow of urine. When the cuff is closed (filled with fluid), urine is blocked from passing through. When it's open, urine flows freely.

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Pump:

Placed in the scrotum, this pump moves fluid between the urethral cuff and the balloon, allowing the cuff to open or close.

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Balloon:

Positioned under the abdominal muscles, the balloon holds the same fluid as the cuff. The fluid moves between the balloon and the cuff to control urine flow.

Why Do You Need An 
Artificial Urinary Sphincter?

And how does it work?

To urinate, you squeeze the pump in your scrotum. This action deflates the urethral cuff by transferring fluid into the balloon, allowing urine to pass through the urethra. The cuff will automatically close after approximately 3 minutes. A urologist performs the surgery to place the AUS, and most patients can go home the same day.

An AUS may be recommended for:

  • Incontinence after surgery: Loss of sphincter control can occur after prostate surgery or radiation therapy.
  • Injury or trauma: Damage to the sphincter can lead to leakage that may require an AUS.

The AUS provides a reliable solution to regain bladder control and improve quality of life.

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a group of surgeons performing surgery
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What to Expect During AUS Placement Surgery

Preparation

You'll be given anesthesia before the procedure. The surgeon will make two small incisions, one between the scrotum and anus and the other near the lower abdomen. After placing the AUS, the incisions will be closed with dissolvable stitches.

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Procedure Duration

Typically, the surgery takes around 30 to 60 minutes. After the procedure, you'll stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) until you're ready to go home.

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Post-Surgery Recovery and Care

After surgery, your care team will monitor your vitals and help manage your pain. Here's what you can expect during recovery:

  • Urinary Catheter: You may have a catheter to drain urine temporarily.
  • Leakage: It's normal to experience some urine leakage after surgery, which should stop once the AUS is activated by your doctor 6 to 8 weeks later.
  • Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment will be scheduled about 2 weeks after surgery.

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At-Home Care

  1. Managing Pain: You may experience some discomfort. Use prescribed medications and apply ice packs as needed.
  2. Hygiene: Shower 48 hours after surgery. Replace any dirty bandages and keep the area clean and dry.
  3. Scrotal Support: Wear a scrotal support for the first week to minimize swelling.
  4. Resume Activities: Most normal activities can be resumed the day after surgery, but avoid strenuous activities for 6 weeks (e.g., heavy lifting, gym workouts).
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