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Procedure (part 1)
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An artificial sphincter consists of: - a cuff that fits around the bladder neck
- a pressure regulating balloon
- a pump that inflates the cuff
To treat urinary incontinence, a cuff is placed around the bladder neck so that when it is inflated, the urethra closes tightly. The pressure-regulating balloon is placed under the tissues of the lower abdomen. The balloon is then filled with liquid (occasionally, an iodine-based solution is used so that it will be visualized when x-ray procedures are performed).
The control-pump mechanism is placed in the labia for women, and in the scrotum for men. To use the sphincter, compress (squeeze) the pump so that fluid is diverted from the urethral cuff to the balloon. This action enables the sphincter to relax, which in turn, enables you to urinate. The cuff re-inflates on its own in three to five minutes.
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The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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