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Post-prostatectomy incontinence is one of the feared complications after removal of the prostate gland and may have a significant negative impact on one’s quality of life.
A detailed history will be obtained and focused genitourinary examination will be performed. A urinalysis will also be obtained. Urodynamics will be performed to evaluate bladder storage function and a cystoscopy performed to evaluate the urinary tract.
There are nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available depending on the severity of symptomatic bother to the patient. Together with your UCLA urologist, you will choose a treatment that is best for you.
Male slings are a surgical procedure for patients with mild to moderate incontinence (usage of 2 to 3 pads or less). The advantage of this procedure is that it can be placed with small incisions and the recovery period is relatively short. A surgical mesh is placed in the groin region to provide compression to the urethra. A catheter is left in place and removed the next day.
An artificial urinary sphincter is a device that has multiple components and is surgically placed. The device is composed of a cuff, pump and pressure-regulating balloon. The cuff is placed around the urethra to provide circumferential compression. The pump is placed into the scrotum and the patient is able to squeeze the device in order to activate it and urinate. The pressure-regulating balloon transfers fluid when the pump is activated. The artificial urinary sphincter has been present for over 20 years and has proven clinical success.