In a nutshell
This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of ProACT (adjustable balloon therapy) to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI – leaking urine when straining or coughing) after radical prostatectomy (complete surgical removal of the prostate). The study determined that ProACT improved SUI symptoms and quality of life in these patients.
Some background
Stress urinary incontinence is a common problem in men after surgical removal of the prostate. This can have a negative impact on quality of life. The adjustable balloon ProACT system is one treatment option. The system consists of two small, adjustable balloons connected through short tubes to an injection port. The balloon devices are inserted on each side of the urethra through a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The fluid-filled balloons put pressure on the bladder and help to stop urine from leaking out. It is important to assess if this is a safe and effective method to treat symptoms of SUI.
Methods & findings
143 patients were followed after insertion of ProACT balloons. The amount of wet urinary pads were measured and complications were noted. These included infection, damage to the urethra and bladder, and incorrect movement of the balloons. Quality of life was also assessed by a survey scoring system of symptoms. Patients were followed for an average of 46 months.
Before ProACT implantation, 36 (25%) of patients had mild SUI, 57 (40%) had moderate symptoms and 50 (35%) had severe symptoms. After a follow-up of between 28 and 79 months, 72 (64%) of patients were improved. Daily pad use decreased by 67% from 3 pads to 1 pad. 97 (87%) of patients reported “much better” on their quality of life surveys.
129 (90.2%) of patients had no complications. 2 patients (1.4%) had pain after the balloon insertion surgery. 30.1% of patients need further intervention. For 15.4%, this was due to balloon defect. Other reasons included infection, movement of the balloons, and persistent SUI.
The bottom line
The study concluded that the ProACT system had a beneficial effect in patients with SUI after radical prostatectomy.
The fine print
This study was retrospective which means it looked at existing information on patients. More follow-up studies would be useful.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about the ProACT balloon device to treat stress urinary incontinence after prostate surgery.
Published By :
Neurourology and urodynamics
Date :
Dec 20, 2017
