AUS Artificial Urinary Sphincter Post RP and RT Outcomes

[RMontana]

I have stress incontinence after RP and RT. Most notably I have heavier leakage when walking for long distances and especially late in the day...I was thinking of getting an AUS. But after reading the literature and talking to my Urologist I dont think it will help. My bad days are 1-2 pads if I am walking for hours. I dont use more than 1 pad if I am in an office setting, with light walking including shopping, gas station visits, etc. Its only very heavy, long distance, tiring walks that bring out the worst in my leakage. But, the AUS does not provide 0 pad results for the majority of men...as an engineer I have no idea why...its a 'cut off valve,' so why would it not provide 0 pad results for 100% of men? It does not according to this article and my Urologist told me its meant to bring men who have to wear diapers to pads ...not men who use 1-2 pads to dry conditions...it was disheartening...

The Abstract; "The majority of patients will achieve social continence (1 pad per day) after artificial urinary sphincter implantation; however, rates of total continence (no pad usage) are significantly lower. "

If anyone has any other advise or has experience with an AUS please let me know. I use at most 2 pads and only when I walk for miles...for normal activity I can stay with 1 pad...I was hoping to go to 0 pads with an AUS...I read that this is not assured...only 20-40% achieve this and in this article only in 3 studies...the other results were all 0-1 pad outcomes...

PS yes, I have had biofeedback training, done Kegels till I drop and still I have stress leakage...Kegels wont stop leakage you dont feel coming...

ART: International Journal of Urology, Artificial urinary sphincter for post-prostatectomy incontinence: A review

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/245...

[Darryl Partner]

Thanks for this sobering post. You might consider copying and reposting in the advanced prostate cancer community and the prostate cancer network community.

[Seasid]

If I were you I would probably save myself from the operation. I could probably live with 1 pad per day. You also had a radiation therefore why would you risk the operation now plus the possibility of infection. Are you on ADT? If not then better just continue to exercise. It looks to me that if you are on ADT than maybe later you could reconsider your decision. I would be happy with one to two pads per day. Maybe they will come out with something better later but at this stage just don't risk the operation plus all the other possible side effects. That is only my opinion based what I believe now. Good luck.