Brief Answer:
Artificial sphincter placement in males explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and am guessing you are inquiring about an artificial sphincter that was placed surgically to help control urinary incontinence. If I am wrong, please do write back to me correcting me with the right answer.

For now I shall speak about an artificial sphincter placement in a male patient and how it has to be done. There are no criteria as such sir, but there are a few things that can go wrong, although this is not serious and once identified can easily be corrected.

Parts of the artificial sphincter:
1. Pump
2. Reservoir of fluid
3. Cuff

First, an incision is made between the rectum and scrotum through which we go about accessing all the structures required. The urethra (pipe-like outlet that carries urine from the bladder through the penis and to the external surroundings) is then identified, separated and prepared. The cuff (no.1) is then placed around that part of the urethra that is closest to the urinary bladder. This is a cuff that can be inflated and deflated at the individuals on will, to help prevent the urine from flowing out from the urinary bladder.

The cuff is attached to the pump which is carefully placed in the scrotum (doesn't have to be anterior/front or posterior/behind), but between the testicles. This pump is what helps the individual control the artificial sphincter.

The pump is then attached to a reservoir containing a few cc's of fluid that once triggered empty into the cuff, to inflate it. This balloon is place behind the pubic bone and is usually not accessible by the individual.

This is the setup of the artificial sphincter in a male, sir. There are no criteria as such, and the same setup is used in all patients.

There have been a few unfortunate situations wherein the pump does not function after placement, or the right amount of fluid is not inserted into the balloon reservoir (approximately 25 cc), etc.

Please speak to your surgeon, and get an elaborate evaluation; although correction might include removal and placement of a new artificial sphincter sir.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative sir. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.

Best wishes sir.

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