Patient satisfaction with implanted stress urinary incontinence devices

This study is looking at patient satisfaction with the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) device treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It concluded that patients are satisfied with this device in SUI treatment. 

Stress incontinence is urine leakage when there is pressure on the bladder. It is often observed when a patient coughs, sneezes or exercises. It happens as a result of weak muscles around the bladder that help hold urine in. It can be treated by pelvic floor exercises, drug therapy, pessaries (to support the walls of the bladder) or nerve stimulation. Surgery can also be an option when these treatments do not work. 

There are devices which can be implanted. These devices squeeze the tubes coming out of the bladder to stop urine leaks. The adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) is such a device. Studies are being carried out to determine how happy patients are with the ATOMS. 

Databases were searched for patients with SUI. 181 men with SUI were included in the study. Patients had surgery to fit an incontinence device. Patients characteristics were examined. 

80.7% of patients were urine leak-free after treatment. The average number of pads per day being used decreased by 3.2 pads. 13.8% of patients experienced side effects. These included: blood in urine, inflammation, bruising, scarring, pain, wound infection, erosion of device, delirium and device infection. 87.1% of patients said they were satisfied with the device. Patients who had never had pelvic radiation therapy were more satisfied with the device than those who had had radiation therapy. Higher patient satisfaction was connected to the severity of SUI symptoms, previous radiation therapy, and side effects. 

The study concluded that patients were satisfied with the ATOMS device as a treatment for SUI. 

The authors note that doctors gave out the questionnaires. They may have been biased. This may affect this study's results. 

To learn more about devices to treat SUI, talk to your doctor.