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Purpose: Previous studies suggested better functional outcomes and longer device survival for female artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation compared to male AUS implantation. We hypothesized that the adoption of robotic approaches for female implantation might have influenced these comparisons. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of robotic female AUS and male AUS implantation for non-neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of male patients who had AUS implantation and female patients who underwent robotic AUS implantation for non-neurogenic SUI between 2010 and 2022 at a single center. Prior AUS implantations were exclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was continence status at 3 months, categorized as complete resolution of SUI (0 pad), improved SUI (1pad), or unchanged SUI (>1pad)., Results: After excluding 79 patients, 171 were included: 70 women and 101 men. Operative time was shorter in males (126.9 vs. 165.5 min; p < 0.0001). Postoperative complication rates were similar (17.3% vs. 22.9%; p = 0.38). Continence status at 3 months and last follow-up favored females. The ICIQ-SF decrease at 3 months was greater in females (-7.2 vs. -4.6; p < 0.001). The 5-year estimated explantation-free survival was similar (78.6% vs. 73.7%; p = 0.94) as was the revision-free survival (67.4% vs. 61.7%; p = 0.89). Multivariate analysis showed that female gender was associated with better continence at last follow-up (OR = 4.3; p = 0.03)., Conclusion: Robotic female AUS implantation is associated with better functional outcomes than male AUS implantation, with similar morbidity and survival rates., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To compare the lifespan of first transcorporal cuff (TC) placement of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) versus standard placement (SP) in patients with prior radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa)., Methods: We reviewed first (virgin) AUS placements from two high-volume care centers between 1/2011 and 1/2021, including PCa patients with RT history. AUS lifespan was assessed via the hazard ratio of device explantation and/or revision within a ten-year timeframe for the TC vs. SP approaches. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and t-tests compared clinicodemographic variables. Kaplan-Meier curve compared TC and SP lifespan., Results: 85/314 men with AUS met inclusion criteria, with 38.8% (33/85) in the TC group and 61.2% (52/85) in the SP group. Median ages were 69.8 (IQR = 65.2-73.6) and 67.1 (61.6-72.9), respectively, p = 0.17. Over a median follow up of 51.9 (15.8-86.1) and 80.4 (28.1-128.3) months for the TC and SP, overall, 12 (36.4%) TC devices were removed (four [12.1%] due to mechanical failures; eight [24.2%] erosions, and two [6.1%] infections) vs. 29 (55.8%) in the SP group (14 [26.9%] mechanical failures; 11 [21.1%] erosions, and five [9.6%] infections). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two approaches, with HR = 0.717, 95% CI 0.37-1.44, p = 0.35. The calculated device survival probabilities for the TC vs. SP at one, five, and 10 years were 78.8% vs. 76.9%, 69.3% vs. 58.7%, and 62.1% vs. 46.7%, respectively., Conclusions: TC cuff insertion for the first AUS implantation in pre-radiated patients showed to be comparable to SP when it comes to device survival, with comparable complication rates. Current guidance for approach selection is primarily based on patient selection and surgeon preference., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Data suggest that the utilization of care in male incontinence surgery (MIS) is insufficient. The aim of this study was to analyse the utilization of care in MIS from 2006 to 2020 in Germany, relate this use to the number of radical prostatectomies (RP) and provide a systematic review of the international literature., Methods: We analysed OPS codes using nationwide German billing data and hospitals' quality reports from 2006 to 2020. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)., Results: MIS increased by + 68% from 2006 to 2011 (1843-3125; p = 0.009) but decreased by - 42% from 2011 to 2019 (3104-1799; p < 0.001). In 2020, only 1435 MISs were performed. In contrast, RP increased from 2014 to 2019 by 33% (20,760-27,509; p < 0.001). From 2012 to 2019, the number of artificial urinary sphincters (AUSs) changed minimally (- 12%; 1291-1136; p = 0.02). Sling/sling systems showed a decrease from 2011 to 2019 (- 68% 1632-523; p < 0.001). In 2019, 63% of patients received an AUS, 29% sling/sling systems, 6% paraurethral injections, and 2% other interventions. In 2019, few high-volume clinics [n = 27 (13%)] performed 55% of all AUS implantations, and few high-volume clinics [n = 10 (8%)] implanted 49% of retropubic slings., Conclusion: MIS have exhibited a relevant decrease since 2011 despite the increase in RP numbers in Germany, indicating the insufficient utilization of care in MIS. The systematic review shows also an international deficit in the utilization of care in MIS., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To evaluate long-term functional outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter implantation in men for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence., Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter implant for non-neurogenic stress urinary incontinence between June 1989 and January 2020 were included in this single-centre retrospective series. All patients with a functional artificial urinary sphincter in situ were contacted to evaluate long-term functional outcomes using validated questionnaires., Results: A total of 263 patients were included in this retrospective series with a mean follow-up of 61 months. Explant-free survival after 5 years was 75% with a median time to explant of 16.2 years. Revision-free implant survival was 62% after 5 years with a median revision-free implant survival rate of 10.8 years. Previous pelvic irradiation, history of stricture disease and previous artificial urinary sphincter implant were associated with decreased implant survival. Overall social continence rate after 5 years was 60%. Prior radiation therapy, anticoagulation therapy and previous anti-incontinence surgery were associated with a higher incontinence risk. On long-term evaluation of 158 patients with their artificial urinary sphincter currently in situ, 51% were socially continent and 29% reported they were totally dry. Of these patients, 92% indicated to be satisfied with their current continence status., Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients undergoing artificial urinary sphincter implant incontinence needed revision or explant surgery. Long-term continence rates are acceptable but tend to decrease by time. Nonetheless, if patients can maintain a functional AUS in situ, long-term patient satisfaction rates remain high., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To compare transcorporal vs bulbar artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in men with fragile urethra and to investigate the risk factors of AUS explantation in this population., Methods: The charts of all male patients who had an AUS implantation between 2004 and 2020 in 16 centers were reviewed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was device explantation-free survival. Only patients with a fragile urethra were included in the present analysis. Fragile urethra was defined as a urethra carrying a high risk of cuff erosion because of prior radiotherapy and/or history of AUS explantation and/or history of urethral stricture surgery. The patients were divided in two groups according to the implantation site: bulbar vs transcorporal., Results: 464 patients were included for analysis. 88 patients underwent a transcorporal AUS implantation and 376 underwent a bulbar AUS implantation. Explantation-free survival was similar in both groups (estimated 5-year explantation free survival rates 55.3% vs. 58.4%; p=0.98). In the subgroup of patients with a history of previous AUS explantation, transcorporal approach tended to bring longer explantation-free survival (2-year explantation-free survival: 61.9% vs. 58.2%; p=0.096). In multivariate analysis, the only risk factor of shorter explantation-free survival was the history of previous AUS explantation (HR=2.65; p=0.01)., Conclusions: Transcorporal AUS implantation was not associated with longer explantation-free survival. History of previous AUS explantation was the only risk factor associated with shorter explantation-free survival and this subgroup of patients may be the only one to draw benefits of transcorporal AUS implantation., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To report the early experience of a modified technique of robot-assisted artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in female, with a posterior approach to the bladder neck and intraoperative real-time cystoscopic monitoring., Methods: Retrospective monocentric study included all consecutive female who underwent a primary robot-assisted AUS implantation between 2017 and 2019. Real-time intraoperative cystoscopic monitoring was carried out to check the correct level of the dissection and to avoid any injury during bladder neck dissection. Perioperative and intraoperative data, functional outcomes and complications were assessed. Continence was defined as 0 to 1 pad per day., Results: Twenty-four patients were included, the median age was 66 years, 23/24 (96%) had previous SUI or prolapse surgery. Two conversions to open surgery and 2 modifications of the surgical technique with anterior dissection of the bladder neck were required due to major vesicovaginal adhesions. Overall, 20 patients underwent the robotic posterior approach. Eleven intraoperative complications in 10 patients (50%) occurred, including 7 bladder injuries 4 vaginal injuries, without the need to stop the procedure. The median hospital stay was 3 days (2-7). One AUS was removed at 1 year due to vaginal erosion. At last follow-up (median 26 months (22-36)), 95% of the devices were in place and activated and the continence rate was 84%., Conclusions: Early functional results of robot-assisted AUS implantation with a posterior approach to the bladder neck and intraoperative cystoscopic monitoring are promising despite the high rate of intraoperative complications due to previous surgeries. Further evaluation of this technique is required., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in female patients results in high satisfaction rates and high functional outcomes, but implantation can be challenging and explantation of the device is fairly common. The objective of this study was to review outcomes after AUS explantation in women., Methods: This is a retrospective, monocentric study of all women who underwent open or laparoscopic AUS implantation between November 1994 and July 2019, and patients with AUS explantation were included. Management after AUS explantation using descriptive analysis was assessed., Results: Over a span of 26 years, 111 women had an AUS implanted by a single surgeon. Of these surgeries, 35 explantations in 29 patients were later required: 20 initial AUSs, nine revised AUSs and six reimplanted AUS (rAUSs). The median time to explantation was 15.5 month (± 0.55). After explantation, 13 rAUSs in 10 patients were successful and two attempts failed. The median time between explantation and rAUS was 8 months (± 0.95). At the last follow-up, five patients still had their rAUS and six rAUSs had required explantation after a median time of 6.5 months (± 0.65). Surgery was still possible for 12 patients who did not have a rAUS: three cystectomies, one bladder neck closure with continent urinary diversion, and six mid-urethral slings or adjustable continence therapy balloon implantations. Among the 23 patients who did not need a cystectomy or a bladder neck closure with continent urinary diversion, four were completely dry (17.4%), 11 were improved (47.8%), and eight (34.8%) experienced unchanged incontinence with the post-explantation management. Limitations include retrospective design, heterogeneous management over time and a relatively small population of patients in our cohort., Conclusion: Reimplantation of an AUS after an explantation seems feasible after at least 6 months. However, the surgery will be more difficult and satisfaction is not guaranteed. Multicenter databases should be created to help surgeons and patients decide on appropriate management strategies after explantation of an AUS., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To assess the outcomes after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in older women aged over 75 years., Methods: A monocentric retrospective study included all non-neurological women aged over 75 years suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency and undergoing an AUS placement between 1991 and 2015. Early postoperative complications were reported according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Continence, defined as no pad use, was assessed at the end of follow-up. Explantation, revision and deactivation rates of the AUS were reported. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was generated to evaluate the survival rate of the device without revision or explantation., Results: Among 393 AUS implantations, a total of 45 patients, median age 77 years (IQR 75-79), were included. Twenty-six early postoperative complications occurred in 18 patients (40%) patients. All were minor Clavien grades (I-II) except one (grade IVa). Median follow-up was 36 months (IQR 16-96). Overall, 32 women (71.1%) still had their AUS in place at the end of the follow-up, without revision or explantation. The AUS was definitively removed in four (8.9%). The AUS required revisions in nine (20%) women. The 5- and 10-year survival rates of the device without revision or explantation were 78 and 50%, respectively. Three patients (6.7%) had their AUS deactivated. At last follow-up, in an intention-to-treat analysis, the continence rate was 68.9%., Conclusion: In women aged over 75-years-old, suffering from SUI, the AUS provides satisfactory functional results comparable to the general population., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To assess feasibility, safety and risk factors for failure associated with out-patient surgery for artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation/revision in non-neurogenic men., Materials: In the present retrospective monocentric study conducted between May 2016 and March 2020, 81 patients undergoing AUS implantation or revision during an out-patient surgery were included. The primary outcome was the success rate of out-patient surgery. Success was assessed using two distinct definitions, a narrow definition, where success was defined as a one-day hospitalization and the absence of any unscheduled consultation or re-hospitalization within the 3 days following surgery, a broad definition, where success was defined as a one-day hospitalization and the absence of any unscheduled re-hospitalization within the 3 days following surgery. In parallel, risk factors for failure of out-patient surgery, as well as efficacy and safety were assessed., Results: Eighty-one patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 71.2 years ± 5.9. Out-patient surgery was successfully completed in 58 men (71.6% [95% CI 60.5-81.1]) and in 76 men (93.8% [95% CI 86.2-97.9]) according to the narrow and the broad definition, respectively. After multivariate analysis, anticoagulant therapy (OR 25.97 [95% CI 4.44-152.04]) and low socio-professional status (OR 22.1 [95% CI 3.701-131.95]) were statistically associated with failure of out-patient surgery. The continence rate after a 90-day follow-up was 79%., Conclusion: AUS implantation/revision in non-neurogenic men could be safely proposed in out-patient surgery. Special attention may however be paid to patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy or belonging to a low socio-professional category., Trial Registration Number: DEC20-173 (French National Commission for Data Protection and Liberties)., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) remain the gold standard to treat male stress urinary incontinence. AUS implantation can be performed through a penoscrotal or perineal incision depending on surgeon preference., Methods: The present study compares initial AUS implantation through two surgical approaches focusing on outcomes of continence and revision. All AUS implanted at an academic medical center between 2000 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed., Results: A total of 225 AUS implantations were identified, of which, 114 patients who underwent virgin AUS placement were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 28.5 months. A total of 68 patients (59.6%) had AUS placement through penoscrotal incision; while, 46 (40.4%) had a perineal incision. While operative time was significantly shorter for penoscrotal placement (98.6 min vs. 136.3 min, p = 0.001), there were no significant differences in continence rates between either surgical approach with 76.5% socially continent defined as using zero to less than 1 pad per day (safety pad). The overall rate of device erosion or infection was not significantly different between groups. However, the rate of revision or replacement was significantly higher in the perineal group (26.1% v. 8.8%; p = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, the penoscrotal incision predicted a lower rate of device revision (p = 0.01)., Conclusions: The penoscrotal approach of AUS placement is associated with shorter operative time. While we observed a lower revision rate compared to the perineal approach, there were equivalent continence outcomes.

Purpose: To report the outcomes of AUS in women with neurological SUI resulting from intrinsic sphincter deficiency after a follow-up from 3 to 20 years., Methods: The charts of female with moderate to severe neurological SUI who underwent open or laparoscopic AUS implantation between November 1994 and July 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were operated by a single experienced surgeon. Primary endpoint was a postoperative continence categorized as complete continence (no pads used), improved incontinence or unchanged incontinence., Results: Twenty-three women (mean age 54 years, range 19-77) underwent open or laparoscopic AUS implantation. At the last follow-up, 7 (30.4%) initial artificial urinary sphincters remained in situ and 9 (39.1%) patients had at least one revision or reimplantation. Sixteen patients were fully continent (69.6%), four (17.4%) had improved incontinence and three (13.0%) had unchanged incontinence. After a median follow-up of 11.6 years (3-22), 8 (34.8%) explanations in 7 patients and 16 (69.6%) revisions in 11 patients occurred. The average time without explanation or revision was 10.9 and 8.5 years, respectively. Survival rates without AUS explanation were 94.4%, 76.5%, 72.8%, 50% and without revision were 83.3%, 64.7%, 45.5% and 16.7% at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, respectively., Conclusion: Although all methods are imperfect at best, AUS remain toward our experience a good way to achieve long-term continence in female patients suffering from neurological SUI with preserved manual dexterity.

Purpose: To determine whether salvage artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation after prior incontinence surgery achieves outcomes comparable to primary AUS implantation., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated data of patients undergoing AUS implantation from 2009 to 2014. Functional outcome was objectified by 1-h stress pad test, uroflowmetry, post-void residual urine measurement, clinical examination, and chart review. Complications were categorized according to Clavien-Dindo classification system. Kaplan-Meier analysis determined explantation-free survival., Results: A total of 235 patients were included of whom 165 (70.2%) underwent primary AUS. In 70 patients, salvage incontinence surgery was performed, with 24 (10.2%) patients undergoing AUS reimplantation after prior AUS surgery (repeat AUS) and 46 (19.6%) patients undergoing AUS surgery after any other type of incontinence surgery (secondary AUS). There were no significant differences in rates of continence among primary AUS and repeat AUS patients. Patients undergoing secondary AUS had significantly better continence rates than primary and repeat AUS patients. Three-year explantation-free survival rates after AUS insertion were 82.3% (primary AUS), 78.6% (repeat AUS) and 81.5% (secondary AUS). There were no differences in complication rates among the groups., Conclusion: AUS is a safe option in the treatment of severe incontinence even after prior AUS or any other prior incontinence surgery and can still achieve satisfactory outcomes as salvage treatment.

Purpose: To evaluate the determinants and prognostic value of post-operative maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) after AUS implantation in male patients., Methods: The charts of all male patients who had an AUS implantation between 2008 and 2018 at a single center were reviewed retrospectively for an exploratory study. A post-operative urethral profilometry was performed systematically as part of routine daily practice over the study period to assess the post-operative MUCP with the AUS consecutively closed (c-MUCP) and opened (o-MUCP). The difference between c-MUCP and the manufacturer's theoretical pressure objective determined by the pressure regulating balloon (PRB) was calculated (diff-th-MUCP). The primary endpoint was social continence at 3 months defined as 0-1 protection/day., Results: Ninety patients were included. The median age was 71 years, and the median follow-up was 50 months. The etiology of incontinence was radical prostatectomy in 84% of cases, and endoscopic prostate surgery in 6.6% of patients. There were 74.4% of patients who were socially continent at 3 months. The c-MCUP was significantly higher in the continent group (53 [42.2, 60.2] vs 62 [58, 70] p = 0.02). The diff-th-MUCP did not differ significantly between the two groups (18 [0, 23] vs 1 [- 2, 7.7] p = 0.29). The c-MUCP was not statistically associated with the risk of revision and/or explantation., Conclusion: The MUCP after AUS implantation in male patients often differs from the manufacturer's pressure objective. The postoperative c-MUCP might be significantly associated with functional outcomes suggesting that it might be a valuable tool for treatment decision-making. This should be confirmed by larger studies.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of previous urethroplasty on complication rates and postoperative continence after primary artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in male patients with severe stress urinary incontinence., Patients and Methods: A prospective evaluation of patients undergoing primary AUS implantation was conducted. Patients with previous radiotherapy, AUS implantation or urethral stent placement were excluded. Main endpoints were postoperative continence and complication rates including necessity of AUS explantation. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated explantation-free survival. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential predictors for AUS explantation., Results: 105 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 76.6 months (SD 15.9). 30 of these patients had a history of urethroplasty. Postoperatively, 96.2% of all patients were objectively continent (≤ 1 pad/day). No differences in postoperative continence and early complication rates were observed. Concerning long-term complications, infection, mechanical implant failure, and tissue atrophy were also comparable. Overall sphincter erosion rate was 12.3%, but significantly higher in urethroplasty patients (23.3% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.038) and sphincter explantation rate was threefold higher (p = 0.016) in the urethroplasty group. Furthermore, explantation-free survival was reduced compared to the non-urethroplasty group (p = 0.044). On logistic regression analysis, the previous urethroplasty was the only significant predictor for AUS explantation (p = 0.016)., Conclusion: AUS implantation in patients with former urethroplasty can provide satisfying results. Compared to patients without the previous urethroplasty, the higher risk of cuff erosion and AUS explantation has to be addressed during preoperative consultation. Patients with the previous urethroplasty with grafting, long strictures and previous visual internal urethrotomy might be at highest risk.

Purpose: Refractory urinary incontinence after channel transurethral resection of the prostate (cTURP) (TURP in the setting of prostate cancer) is a rare occurrence treated with artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). We sought to characterize those patients receiving AUS after cTURP and understand device longevity., Materials and Methods: We identified patients who underwent cTURP and AUS placement in SEER-Medicare from 2002 to 2014. We analyzed factors affecting device longevity using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. We performed propensity matching to accurately compare patients receiving AUS after cTURP to those receiving AUS after radical prostatectomy (RP)., Results: For patients undergoing cTURP, 201 out of 56,957 ultimately underwent AUS placement (< 0.5%). AUS after cTURP incurred a 48.4% rate of reoperation versus 30.9% after RP. Importantly, patients undergoing cTURP were significantly older than those undergoing RP [75 vs. 71 years of age (p < 0.01)]. At 3 years after insertion, 28.2% of patients after RP required reoperation compared to 37.8% of patients post-cTURP (p < 0.01). There were no detectable differences in revision rates for those patients who underwent traditional vs. laser cTURP. Patients with a history of radiation therapy had significantly shorter device survival. Even after propensity matching, patients receiving AUS after cTURP incurred more short-term complications compared to AUS after RP. Differences in device longevity were diminished after propensity match., Conclusions: In the SEER-Medicare population, AUS after cTURP remains rare. While there is an increased risk of infectious complications, AUS after cTURP fared similarly to AUS after RP in terms of device longevity. A history of radiation therapy leads to worse outcome for all patients.

Purpose: To analyze and compare preoperative patient characteristics and postoperative results in men with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) selected for an adjustable male sling system or an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) in a large, contemporary, multi-institutional patient cohort., Methods: 658 male patients who underwent implantation between 2010 and 2012 in 13 participating institutions were included in this study (n = 176 adjustable male sling; n = 482 AUS). Preoperative patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. For statistical analysis, the independent T test and Mann-Whitney U test were used., Results: Patients undergoing adjustable male sling implantation were less likely to have a neurological disease (4.5% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.021), a history of urethral stricture (21.6% vs. 33.8%, p = 0.024) or a radiation therapy (22.7% vs. 29.9%, p = 0.020) compared to patients that underwent AUS implantation. Mean pad usage per day (6.87 vs. 5.82; p < 0.00) and the ratio of patients with a prior incontinence surgery were higher in patients selected for an AUS implantation (36.7% vs. 22.7%; p < 0.001). At maximum follow-up, patients that underwent an AUS implantation had a significantly lower mean pad usage during daytime (p < 0.001) and nighttime (p = 0.018). Furthermore, the patients' perception of their continence status was better with a subjective complete dry rate of 57.3% vs. 22.0% (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Patients selected for an AUS implantation showed a more complex prior history and pathogenesis of urinary incontinence as well as a more severe grade of SUI. Postoperative results reflect a better continence status after AUS implantation, favoring the AUS despite the more complicated patient cohort.

Purpose: To examine the functional survival of the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) AMS800 in a changing patient population. Because of increasing experience and dexterity of the operating team, we hypothesize that patients with known risk factors nowadays have a better survival of their prosthesis. However, due to a change to a more complex case mix, overall results appear to be worse., Materials and Methods: All men who underwent implantation of an AUS between 2001 and 2016 because of urethral sphincter deficiency were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided in groups based on date of surgery and number of patients: 2001-2009 (G1), 2010-2013 (G2), 2014-2016 (G3). Baseline characteristics and additional therapies prior to implantation were analyzed in all groups. Risk factors for failure only in G1 and G2. Revision or explantation of the AUS was used as endpoint. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate survival of the device., Results: A total of 129 patients (mean age 72 ± 9 years) underwent 129 primary implants, and 11 secondary implants. Median follow-up was 5.74 years in G1, 3.26 years G2 and 1.54 years G3. Approximately 25% of the patients in G1 had received adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer and 14% underwent previous surgery for incontinence. In G2, 51 and 55% underwent adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer and previous surgery for incontinence, respectively, G3 was comparable. The overall 50% survival improved in patients with radiotherapy and previous incontinence surgery in G2 as compared to G1., Conclusions: Despite the more complex patient population, the survival of the AUS did not decrease. In some patient categories, the AUS functional survival is even still improving over the past few years.

Objectives: To analyze functional outcomes and complication rates of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in patients who had undergone buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (BMGU) beforehand., Patients and Methods: This prospectively maintained single-center database comprises data from 236 patients from 2009 to 2015 who underwent AUS implantation. A total of 17 patients after BMGU were available for analysis. Primary endpoints consisted of continence and complication rates. Continence was defined as no use of safety pads, social continence as < 2 pads per day. Stricture recurrence was defined as a decrease in uroflowmetry, a maximum flow rate < 10 ml/s or residual urine volume (> 100 ml). Kaplan-Meier analysis determined explantation-free survival., Results: Median follow-up was 24 months (interquartile range [IQR] 6-31 months). Indication for AUS implantation was severe urinary incontinence with a history of radical prostatectomy (RRP) in 8 (47.1%), trauma in 1 (5.9%) and TUR-P in 8 (47.1%) patients. Pelvic irradiation was reported in 13 (76.5%) cases. The median length of buccal mucosa graft for urethroplasty was 4 cm (3-5 cm). A double cuff was implanted in 14 patients (82.4%), 3 patients received a single cuff. Complete and social continence was achieved in 76.5% and 100% of the patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in complications and explantation-free survival (log-rank, p = 0.191) between patients who had undergone BMGU before AUS compared to patients with no history of BMGU., Conclusions: According to the prospective follow-up data in a homogenous cohort, AUS implantation seems to be a viable, safe and effective therapeutic strategy for incontinence treatment despite previous BMGU.

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of and the long-term experience with a re-adjustable hydraulic sling (ID-sling) device positioned dorsally to the urethra for the treatment of male post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI)., Materials and Methods: Between September 2007 and November 2009 13 patients with persisting SUI were treated consecutively with an ID-sling™ in two European tertiary centers by a single surgeon. Physical examinations and standardized questionnaires (ICIQ-SF + VAS), pad tests, and 24-h pad number counts were performed at baseline and during follow-up., Results: The implantation of the hydraulic cuff was uncomplicated in all cases. The ICIQ-SF score diminished from a preoperative mean value of 18 to a mean of five postoperatively. One patient remained completely dry with normal micturition. All patients demonstrated a mild improvement at primary filling but did not show any significant improvement after the second or any subsequent filling. In total, 1/13 (7.7%) patients were completely dry and 5/13 (38.4%) showed improved continence. In 6/13 (46.2%) patients, satisfactory continence results according to subjective criteria, were not achieved. Subsequently, artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation was offered to one patient (7.7%) after 12 months and to ten patients (76,9%) after 24 months., Conclusions: The implantation of a dorsally placed hydraulic sling is a not yet standardized and complex procedure, even for the experienced surgeon. To date, this implantation method is not an alternative to other devices. An improved sling design is necessary to simplify the surgical procedure and to improve long-term stability.

Purpose: To assess population-based trends in artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement after prostatectomy and determine the effect of timing on device survival and complications., Methods: We identified patients who underwent prostatectomy and AUS placement in SEER-Medicare from 2002 to 2011. We analyzed factors affecting the time of reoperation from AUS implantation and prostatectomy using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models., Results: In total, 841 men underwent AUS placement at a median 23 months after prostatectomy. Patients who underwent reoperation (28.5%) had higher clinical stage, more likely underwent open prostatectomy, or had prior sling placement (p < 0.03). There were no differences in rates of diabetes, smoking status, prior radiation therapy, or Charlson Comorbidity Index between those requiring reoperation vs. not (all p > 0.15). Patients with AUS placement > 15 months after prostatectomy (75%) initially experienced less need for operative reinterventions. Patients with later AUS placement were significantly more likely to have received radiation therapy [22.9 vs. 3.8% (p < 0.01)]. Nonetheless, late implantation was confirmed to be protective on multivariate analysis during the first 5 years after AUS placement [HR 0.79 (95% CI 0.67-0.92); p < 0.01]. Factors independently associated with a shorter interval time until reoperation included history of radiation [HR 1.93 (95% CI 1.33-2.80); p < 0.01] and history of prior sling [HR 1.70 (95% CI 1.08-2.68); p = 0.02]. Even for patients who underwent radiation therapy, delayed AUS implantation reduced reoperative risk., Conclusions: Late AUS implantation in the Medicare population is associated with prolonged device survival initially, while radiation and prior sling surgery predict for earlier reoperation. Patients with delayed AUS implantation experience less immediate complications. Further work is required to identify patient-specific factors which may explain variability in timing for AUS.

Purpose: To analyze efficacy and safety for the ZSI375 artificial urinary sphincter in a multicenter case series., Methods: Thirteen male patients with stress urinary incontinence underwent implantation of a ZSI375 artificial urinary sphincter device between 2010 and 2012 in three international continence reference centers. Perioperative characteristics and postoperative complications were analyzed using the Clavien-Dindo scale. Re-hospitalization and explantation rates, and functional outcome were assessed. Inner-group and between-group differences were analyzed using Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, and Fisher's exact test whenever indicated. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess device survival. A p value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: There were no intraoperative complications. Median follow-up was 13.5 months. In this period, four device defects (30.8 %) could be observed, being the main cause for device explantation, followed by device infection (15.4 %), non-resolvable pain (7.7 %), and urethral erosion (7.7 %). There were no Clavien IV or Clavien V complications. Overall explantation rate was 61.5 %. Mean time-to-explantation was 279 ± 308 days. There was no significant influence of previous irradiation and previous invasive incontinence therapy (p = 0.587 and p = 0.685, respectively). Mean daily pad usage decreased from 5.8 ± 1.5 to 2.4 ± 2.1 (p = 0.066). One patient (7.7 %) did not use any pads. Social continence (0-1 pads) was achieved in 15.4 % of the patients., Conclusion: This is the most current study that is investigating the outcome after ZSI375 implantation in a multicenter case series. Based on our results, explantation rates after ZSI375 implantation are high and efficacy rates seem lower than previously described. Addressing this high failure rate, the system has undergone a two-step modification in the meantime.

There are many surgical options to correct sphincteric incontinence. The choice should take account of clinical features, urodynamic data and operation characteristics. Success should be evaluated both subjectively and objectively and it is desirable to have at least a two year follow-up. It is necessary to be aware of the complications of each procedure. Where new techniques are described it is important to use objective outcome measures.

There are numerous therapeutic options for treating incontinence. Implantation of an artificial genitourinary sphincter is an excellent choice in cases of incontinence due to sphincteric dysfunction. In this article we report the Mayo Clinic data from several large series and compare these data to other recent reviews. In addition, we review current recommendations regarding patient selection and evaluation. There were 458 patients who underwent implantation of an artificial sphincter, including 417 men and 41 women. The overall continence rate was 88.2%, the reoperation rate was 23.1%, and the mechanical reliability was 88%. Satisfaction rates were greater than 90%. We conclude that artificial sphincter implantation is safe, reliable and very effective in treating incontinence due to sphincteric dysfunction in properly selected patients.