The long-term outcome of artificial urinary sphincters.

PURPOSE: We reviewed the outcome of artificial urinary sphincters inserted more than 10 years ago.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the records of 100 patients and mailed a questionnaire to those without recent followup.

RESULTS: Overall 84 patients were continent, including 36 with the original artificial urinary sphincter in place who were dry at a median followup of 11 years and 27 in whom the device was successfully replaced due to mechanical failure who were previously continent for a median of 7 years. In 21 patients it was removed due to infection or erosion and reimplantation was successful 3 to 6 months later or they remained dry without another artificial urinary sphincter. Of the male patients with a bulbar and bladder neck sphincter 92% and 84%, respectively, were continent at 10 years as well as 73% of the females. Device survival was 66% at 10 years. Overall 37% of the prostheses were removed due to infection or erosion in the 10-year period with the highest risk in females (56%) and lowest in males with a bulbar sphincter (23%).

CONCLUSIONS: The artificial urinary sphincter is effective long-term treatment for incontinence in male patients. In female patients the risk of erosion is high, although overall long-term continence is satisfactory.