METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 8 patients presenting with severe, recurrent incontinence after multiple prior failed AUS procedures. All patients were treated with small intestinal submucosa (SIS) "urethral wrap" with subsequent AUS cuff placement to provide additional urethral bulk and serve as a "buffer" between the cuff and urethra.
RESULTS: Eight patients (median age 76 years, range 55-81) presented with near-total (4-5 pads) to total urinary incontinence, having previously undergone a combined 19 AUS procedures with 6 tandem cuffs and 8 prior urethral erosions. At a median follow-up of 12.4 months, 38% (3/8) of patients were dry, requiring no pads. Three patients underwent AUS explantation for sphincter erosion (n = 2) and infection (n = 1). Two patients had recurrent incontinence, with one occurring after wrap revision for urinary retention. Patients with prior radiation accounted for 80% (4/5) of procedure failures. All patients had temporary postoperative urinary retention.
CONCLUSION: SIS urethral wrap with AUS placement for severe SUI after multiple previous AUS placements and erosion/infection is a viable treatment option in appropriately selected patients for this very complicated issue. However, because of the complexity of the underlying problem, patients should be counseled about the expected risks and outcomes of surgery.
Written by:
Trost L, Elliott D. Are you the author?
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Reference: Urology. 2011 Nov 23. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2011.09.003
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22119252
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