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A. The artificial urinary sphincter consists of three components. One part is a circular cuff that is placed around the waterpipe (urethra). This cuff is connected to a small pump that sits in the scrotum and also connected to small fluid filled balloon that sits in the abdominal wall.
A. the alternatives include:
A. If you are taking blood thinning medication on a regular basis, you must discuss this with your urologist because these drugs can cause increased bleeding after surgery. There may be a balance of risk where stopping them will reduce the chances of bleeding but this can result in increased clotting, which may also carry a risk to your health. This will, therefore, need careful discussion with regard to risks and benefits. Aspirin does not usually need to be stopped but will be the decision of your surgeon.
You will usually be admitted on the same day as your surgery, or a day before. You will normally undergo pre assessment on the day of your clinic. After admission, you will be seen by members of the medical team which may include the consultant, junior urology doctors and nurse.
You will be asked not to eat or drink for six hours before surgery and, immediately before the operation, you may be given a pre-medication by the anaesthetist which will make you dry-mouthed and pleasantly sleepy.
Please be sure to inform your urologist in advance of your surgery if you have any of the following:
A. Normally, a full general anaesthetic will be used and you will be asleep throughout the procedure. In some patients, the anaesthetist may also use an epidural anaesthetic which improves or minimises pain post operatively.
You will have a small incision in the area between the scrotum and anus (the perineum) and the cuff will be placed around the waterpipe. A separate incision will be made in the groin. Through this second wound, the pump will be placed in the scrotum and the balloon placed in the abdominal wall.
A. You will be given fluids to drink from an early stage after the operation and you will be encouraged to mobilise as soon as you are comfortable to prevent blood clots forming in your legs. You will be given intravenous antibiotics through your vein (intravenous). You will usually be discharged the next day after your surgery.
A. Most procedures have a potential for side effects. You should be reassured that, although all these complications are well recognised, the majority of patients do not suffer any problems after a urological procedure.
Common (greater than one in 10)
Occasional (between one in 10 and one in 50)
Rare (less than one in 50)
A. The device will be deactivated when you are discharged. You will be reviewed in clinic or on the ward at six weeks post discharge when the device will be activated (by pressing a button on the pump within the scrotum).
A. Men who undergo surgery in the perineum (between the anus and the scrotum) may find it easier to sit with your weight shifted onto your one of your buttocks.
You may find it more comfortable to sit using an air-filled donut, soft cushion or another type of pillow, especially for the first four weeks after surgery.
Any activity that requires you to straddle anything, such as riding a bicycle, motorcycle or a horse should be avoided for four to six weeks.
A. You will be reviewed in outpatients to see how you have got on. It is likely you will be asked to complete a questionnaire on your symptoms.