An artificial sphincter is a device made of silicone rubber that is used to treat urinary incontinence.

An artificial sphincter has an inflatable cuff that fits around the urethra close to the point where it joins the bladder. A balloon regulates the pressure of the cuff, and a bulb controls inflation and deflation of the cuff. The balloon is surgically placed within the pelvic area, and the control pump is placed in the scrotum.

The cuff is inflated to keep urine from leaking. When urination is desired, the cuff is deflated, allowing urine to drain out.

What To Expect After Surgery

Because these procedures involve abdominal surgery, hospitalization is required.

You will most likely be able to leave the hospital the day after having the surgery.

Why It Is Done

Installation of an artificial sphincter may be done for:

• Urinary incontinence caused by the removal of the prostate.
• Severe continual leakage of urine from the urethra.
• Severe urinary incontinence for which other methods of treatment have failed.

How Well It Works

Artificial sphincter placement is the most reliable treatment for men who have incontinence after prostate removal for cancer.¹

In cases of severe stress incontinence and persistent leakage, implantation of an artificial sphincter has been successful in relieving incontinence in up to 90% of men.²

Risks

Complications with this type of surgery include needing another surgery, or revision, in 27% of cases, in which 5% reported erosion of the part of the urethra surrounded by the artificial sphincter and 3% developed infections.¹

What To Think About

Because complications may occur, this is a treatment method that generally is reserved for people for whom all other treatment options have failed. Some people may prefer to manage their symptoms with absorbent pads and changes in habits rather than have this surgery.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

Citations

1. Smith JJ III, Barrett DM (2002). Implantation of the artificial genitourinary sphincter. In PC Walsh et al., eds., Campbell's Urology, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1187–1194. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

2. Wahle GR (2000). Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. Seminars in Urologic Oncology, 18(1): 66–70.