At Alamance Urological PC, we understand that urinary incontinence is an embarrassing and distressing problem. Men who suffer from this condition often do so as a side effect of treatment for prostate cancer, such as surgery or radiation therapy. When exercise and medication cannot control incontinence, we offer our patients treatment with the AMS 800 Artificial Urinary Sphincter.
About the Device
The AMS 800 is the only artificial urinary sphincter currently being used, and it has been successfully used by urologists for over 30 years. The device consists of a fluid-filled cuff that blocks the urethra, a control pump, and a balloon that regulates the pressure in the cuff. It is put in place through a simple surgery and is quite effective in allowing patients to once again control their urine flow.
When a patient needs to void, the control pump allows him to release the fluid that is in the cuff into the balloon. This opens the urethra and allows urine to flow. The cuff is automatically refilled a few moments after it was emptied, thus blocking the flow of urine again. The AMS 800 is over 90% effective in helping patients maintain bladder control over a 10-year follow up period, so we are confident in recommending the device to our patients.
About the Surgery
The surgery to place the AMS 800 in the body requires only a couple of small incisions. The incisions are made in either the scrotum or the perineum. The physician then puts the device in place with the cuff around the urethra. The pump is placed near the scrotum to give the patient easy access to it when he needs to void. The incisions are then closed and the procedure is complete.
Who Qualifies?
Not all patients who are suffering from incontinence are good candidates for the AMS 800 device. Qualifications that need to be met include:
- Incontinent for six months or longer
- High patient motivation
- Urine flow greater than 10 ml/sec
- Ability to void completely
- At least 200 cc of bladder capacity
If you come to Alamance Urological PC for incontinence treatment, we will perform a variety of tests to determine the best treatment option. We will recommend the AMS 800 device to patients who meet the qualifications and cannot be treated with less invasive measures.
