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A new paradigm for surgical revision of the artificial urinary sphincter for recurrent stress urinary incontinence: Wilson’s Workshop 11

Abstract

Although the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is widely regarded as the “gold standard” for surgical correction of male stress urinary incontinence, long-term durability for symptom control is variable. A significant number of men will experience a decline in device-related improvement over time. With erosion of initial success, men sufficiently bothered by recurrent incontinence not caused by device malfunction may seek surgical revision. Secondary surgery requires careful consideration on the part of the prosthetic urologist and a keen awareness of sound surgical techniques. The armamentarium for revision has traditionally consisted of strategies involving cuff downsizing and/or relocation, modification of the pressure regulating balloon, urethral wrapping, addition of a tandem cuff, or use of transcorporal cuff placement. These options will be presented in view of their evidence and theoretical advantages and disadvantages. In addition, we will discuss a newer approach of growing popularity that serves to challenge existing dogma and shift the paradigm of AUS revision surgery.

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Fig. 1: Cystoscopy of cuff-based urethral coaptation from AUS.
Fig. 2: Cadaveric dissection of candidate sites for cuff placement.
Fig. 3: Tandem (“double”) cuff placement.
Fig. 4: Transcorporal cuff placement.
Fig. 5: Urethral subcuff capsulotomy.
Fig. 6: Interrogation of pressure regulating balloon.

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Correspondence to Ryan P. Terlecki.

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SKW: Consultant; AMT, Coloplast, International Medical Devices. Lecturer; Boston Scientific. Stockholder; NeoTract. RPT: Consultant; Boston Scientific. Lecturer; Boston Scientific. Grant Support; Boston Scientific, Department of Defense.

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Terlecki, R.P., Wilson, S.K. A new paradigm for surgical revision of the artificial urinary sphincter for recurrent stress urinary incontinence: Wilson’s Workshop 11. Int J Impot Res 34, 37–43 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-020-0307-8

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