The artificial urinary sphincter
is surgically implanted device that replaces the body’s
natural urinary sphincter. The replacement is sometimes
necessary after prostate cancer treatment, especially
prostatectomy, because urinary incontinence is a common
side effect. The artificial urinary sphincter closely
simulates the function of the biological urinary sphincter
by providing a competent bladder outlet for urinary
storage. It consists of a cuff, which goes around the
urethra, a pump, which is placed inside the scrotum,
and a balloon, which holds the fluid for the device.
To urinate, the pump is squeezed and the cuff opens.
In three to five minutes, the cuff automatically closes
again. A resister mechanism inside the pump controls
the refilling of the cuff.
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