Inflatable artificial sphincter

Alternative names:

artificial rectal sphincter; artificial urinary sphincter

Expectations after surgery:

Men who were treated for stress incontinence with the artificial urinary sphincter had a 82% cure rate, while women had a 92% cure rate. With time there may be a gradual atrophy (wasting) of the tissue under the cuff, which may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the device.

In early studies of use of the artificial rectal sphincter for treating fecal incontinence, 60% of the people reported successful treatment of their fecal incontinence.

Convalescence:

It is very important for you to carry a medical identification card and/or Medic-Alert bracelet to notify all health care providers that you have a artificial sphincter. The artificial urethral sphincter must be deactivated whenever urinary catheterization is performed, and the artificial rectal sphincter may need to be deactivated during rectal procedures or enemas.

Additionally, because the pump mechanism is placed in the labia in women, and the scrotum for men, you may need to modify some activities (such as bicycle riding) to accommodate this pump.

You must be very attentive to possible signs of infection (urinary frequency, pain or burning with urination, and fever) and erosion (pain at cuff site, bleeding, leakage of urine or stools).