Insufficient utilization of care in male incontinence surgery: health care reality in Germany from 2006 to 2020 and a systematic review of the international literature

PURPOSE: Data suggest that the utilization of care in male incontinence surgery (MIS) is insufficient. The aim of this study was to analyse the utilization of care in MIS from 2006 to 2020 in Germany, relate this use to the number of radical prostatectomies (RP) and provide a systematic review of the international literature. METHODS: We analysed OPS codes using nationwide German billing data and hospitals’ quality reports from 2006 to 2020. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). RESULTS: MIS increased by + 68% from 2006 to 2011 (1843–3125; p = 0.009) but decreased by − 42% from 2011 to 2019 (3104–1799; p < 0.001). In 2020, only 1435 MISs were performed. In contrast, RP increased from 2014 to 2019 by 33% (20,760–27,509; p < 0.001). From 2012 to 2019, the number of artificial urinary sphincters (AUSs) changed minimally (− 12%; 1291–1136; p = 0.02). Sling/sling systems showed a decrease from 2011 to 2019 (− 68% 1632–523; p < 0.001). In 2019, 63% of patients received an AUS, 29% sling/sling systems, 6% paraurethral injections, and 2% other interventions. In 2019, few high-volume clinics [n = 27 (13%)] performed 55% of all AUS implantations, and few high-volume clinics [n = 10 (8%)] implanted 49% of retropubic slings. CONCLUSION: MIS have exhibited a relevant decrease since 2011 despite the increase in RP numbers in Germany, indicating the insufficient utilization of care in MIS. The systematic review shows also an international deficit in the utilization of care in MIS. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00345-023-04433-9.