Inflatable Artificial Sphincter

Alternate Names : Artificial Urinary Sphincter

What happens later at home?

Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed for 1 to 2 weeks following the surgery. Activity is restricted for 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how the surgery was done. The person is advised to abstain from sexual activity until the device has been activated.

The doctor will activate the device 1 to 2 months after the sphincter is implanted. He or she also teaches the person how to use the device. The person will be taught to empty the bladder "by the clock" to prevent dangerous urinary retention.

If a person with this device ever needs a urinary catheter, the sphincter will be deactivated before it is passed through the urethra. This will help to prevent damage to the urethra and possible cuff erosion.

Most people are able to control their urination with this device. Some people do need a revision or replacement of the device if it doesn't work well or if it breaks.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

There is almost always short-term urinary retention after this procedure. This is due to swelling inside the cuff. Urinary retention lasts for a longer time in some people. This might be due to a blockage in the urinary tract. Small blood blisters associated with the surgery are not uncommon. There is also the chance of infection or cuff erosion occurring. This might result in the need to remove the device.