The artificial urinary sphincter for post-radical prostatectomy incontinence: impact on urinary symptoms and quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
We addressed the impact of the artificial urinary sphincter on the health related quality of life and urinary symptoms in men with post-radical prostatectomy incontinence.


METHODS
A total of 30 men with an AMS800 artificial urinary sphincter following radical prostatectomy responded to a questionnaire dealing with the impact of the symptoms on activities of daily living and quality of life. We compared these results to those of 31 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy but did not require an artificial urinary sphincter.


RESULTS
Incontinence was minimal in both groups. Irritative symptoms were noted in the artificial urinary sphincter group, as well as some impairment in activities of daily living. No significant differences were noted with respect to quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
The artificial urinary sphincter is an effective form of therapy for post-radical prostatectomy incontinence but irritative voiding symptoms occur, which tend to limit activities of daily living.
Fleshner
N
N
Division of Urology, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Herschorn
S
S
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016741:Urinary Sphincter, Artificial