Functional Outcomes and Long-term Durability of Artificial Urinary Sphincter Application: Review of 56 Patients With Long-term Follow-up

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation and to report the complication rates, including mechanical failure, erosion, and infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1990 to May 2011, AUS (AMS 800) implantations were performed in 56 adult males by one surgeon. Various demographic and preoperative variables, surgical variables, and postoperative outcomes, including success and complication rates with a median follow-up of 96 months, were recorded retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of AUS implantation was 61.8 (±14.2) years. During the follow-up period, the total complication rate was 41.1% (23 patients). The incidence of complications was significantly lower during the follow-up period after 48 months (p<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 5- and 10-year failure-free rates were 50.3% and 45.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term durability and functional outcomes are achievable for the AMS 800, but there are appreciable complication rates for erosion, mechanical failure, and infection of up to 30%.