HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Artificial Sphincter for Urinary Incontinence in Men
Surgery Overview
An artificial sphincter is a device made of silicone rubber that is used to treat Reference urinary incontinence Opens New Window.
An artificial sphincter has an inflatable cuff that fits around the Reference urethra Opens New Window close to the point where it joins the bladder. A balloon regulates the pressure of the cuff, and a bulb controls inflation and deflation of the cuff. The balloon is surgically placed within the pelvic area, and the control pump is placed in the scrotum.
The cuff is inflated to keep urine from leaking. When urination is desired, the cuff is deflated, allowing urine to drain out.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 17, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology |
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