Laparoscopic implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter around the prostatic urethra.

OBJECTIVE

To report the first laparoscopic periprostatic implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) after a transurethral resection of the prostate.

BACKGROUND

The implantation of an AUS is a standard procedure for severe urinary incontinence. In men it is usually implanted through a perineal approach, with the cuff placed around the bulbous urethra, bladder neck, or even around the prostate.

METHOD: We report a laparoscopic periprostatic implantation of an AUS after a transurethral resection of a prostate in a 72-year-old-man with incontinence.

RESULTS

The operative duration was 180 min and the blood loss was 150 mL. There were no complications. After activating the AUS the patient was totally continent.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic periprostatic implantation of an AUS is a safe, effective and considerably less invasive procedure.