Treatment of Urinary Incontinence with Ams 800 Artificial Urinary Sphincter: Long-Term Results

Abstract

Introduction of the AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter has revolutionized the treatment of urinary incontinence due to pure sphincteric incompetence. From April 1989 to October 1997, 52 patients (42 men and 3 women) underwent implantation of the AMS 800 artificial sphincter. Mean patient age was 69.5 years. They were suffering from urinary incontinence caused by sphincteric damage, always of iatrogenic origin. Follow-up was 5 to 110 months (mean 35 months). Full continence was regained in 35 patients. Seven patients with successful implantation died because of other problems. Follow-up was not available for 2 patients. Explantation was performed 8 times (5 periprosthetic infections, 1 urethral necrosis, 2 urethral erosion). The AMS 800 artificial urinaly sphincter is the most efficacious treatment currently available for urinary incontinence due to pure sphincteric incompetence. Implantation is associated with 2 notable complications: surgical and mechanical.