Comparison of artificial urinary sphincter and collagen for the treatment of postprostatectomy incontinence

Abstract

Objectives: To compare how urinary symptoms affect the quality of life in groups of men with postprostatectomy incontinence treated with collagen versus artificial urinary sphincter implantation.

Methods: Two cohorts of men, one which received urethral collagen injection and one artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation, were surveyed with a validated quality-of-life questionnaire to assess how their urinary dysfunction impacted their daily activities. The mean impact score and bother score for the two groups were compared. In addition, the overall degree of continence between the groups was assessed.

Results: At a mean follow-up of 19 months, 8 (20%) of 41 patients treated with collagen injections were at least socially continent, requiring one pad daily or less. In comparison, 27 (75%) of 36 men treated with an AUS were at least socially continent (P <0.001). Both the impact score and the bother score from the quality-of-life questionnaire were significantly lower in the group treated with the AUS than in the group treated with collagen.

Conclusions: Patients receiving an AUS achieved significantly higher continence rates. Also, the quality of life of men treated with an AUS was improved compared with that of the men treated with collagen injection.