Treating Urinary Incontinence

By Giulio I. Scarzella, MD, FACS, FICS

Giulio I. Scarzella, MD

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Treating Urinary Incontinence

Depending on what type of incontinence you have, you and your doctor can work together to find the best way to cope with your lack of urinary control. It is important that you understand all the options available to you.
You probably have tried several treatments already. Chances are, they have not been effective and/or acceptable to you.
Surgery
Two surgical options to treat urinary incontinence include the Monarc Subfascial Hammock (for women), an implanted sling, designed to support the muscles around the urethra and the AMS Sphincter 800 (for men), which mimics that function of a normal, healthy urinary sphincter.
The Monarc Subfascial Hammock
The subfascial hammock is a narrow strip of material surgically placed in your body to support the urethra. The hammock cradles your urethra and gives it a solid point to rest on and press against, and helps the urethra close more tightly.
Placement of the subfascial hammock is usually performed during an outpatient procedure in less than an hour under local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on what you and your doctor choose. Two tiny skin incisions are made near the inner thigh and the pubic bone. A narrow strip of material is inserted through a small incision in the vagina and placed under the urethra, then secured in place under the skin.
Your doctor may insert a catheter through your urethra to drain urine from your bladder. The catheter is usually removed before you leave the hospital. Your incisions will be small and should heal quickly. Most women see results as soon as the catheter is removed, usually within a day or two after the procedure.
What is the AMS Sphincter 800?
The AMS Sphincter 800 has been used successfully for almost 30 years in over 50,000 men to provide simple, discreet urinary control. It is a small device that is placed completely inside your body. No parts are visible once the Sphincter 800 is in place.
The Sphincter 800 functions like a healthy sphincter in that it keeps the urethra closed until you want to urinate. It does this by automatically moving sterile fluid, such as saline (salt and water), through three main components a cuff around the urethra, a pump and a balloon. These components are connected by flexible tubing.
The Sphincter 800 has proven to be extremely effective in treating male incontinence, especially for male patients who have urinary incontinence and urinary leakage following radical surgery for prostate cancer, and is considered the gold standard by many urologists. When using this device, most men are dry or experience only minor leaks or dribbles, usually with strenuous exercise or exertion. Most men use one pad or less per day to manage these minor leaks.
Every surgical procedure has risks and complications, however. Talk to your doctor so that you understand the procedure, potential complications, and results you can expect.
Regain control and restore your lifestyle. You dont need to live with urinary incontinence and the limitations and embarrassment it causes. You can once again enjoy an active lifestyle with your family and friends.