Urinary incontinence is a problem experienced by men at various stages of their lives. This illness frequently develops as a side-effect of surgical intervention, usually after: radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Urinary incontinence can also stem from trauma, congenital defects or neurological problems. In many cases implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter is the most effective means of reducing the symptoms of urinary incontinence.
WHAT IS THE ZSI 375 ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER?
The ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter is a medical device primarily designed for males suffering from urinary stress incontinence. The artificial sphincter is crafted from a silicon elastomer and is filled with a sterile saline solution. The device was conceived as a means of treating urinary incontinence, that developed because of secondary external sphincter muscle insufficiency.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PROCEDURE?
The purpose of the ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter implantation procedure is the treatment of urinary stress incontinence. The implant restores full control of urination related behavior to the patient.
HOW DOES THE ZSI 375 ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER WORK?
The ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter is a silicon medical device composed of: a regulated band-shaped cuff, a pump, an activation switch and a flexion resistant cord. During the implantation procedure, the cuff is wrapped around the urethra and the pump is placed in the scrotum.
The external sphincter muscle is an anatomical muscle structure surrounding the urethra, which is the duct through which urine exits the bladder. If it functions properly it prevents keeps urine in the bladder and prevents urinary leakage. After voluntary relaxation of the external sphincter muscle, the bladder is emptied of urine which exits through the urethra.
Urinary incontinence is a direct result of the improper functioning of the external uretheral sphincteric muscle. The ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter replaces the natural function of the external sphincter muscle. After the implantation procedure, the patient is fully continent due to the pressure applied by the cuff to the urethra. When the patient desires to urinate, he presses the pump button implanted beneath the skin of the scrotum. As a direct result the mechanism drains the fluid from the cuff thus reducing the pressure it exerts on the urethra. After a few moments, the cuff automatically refills with fluid and the pressure is reapplied to the urethra. This mechanism allows the patient full control over urinary continence.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
The ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter implantation procedure can be performed in patients suffering from urinary incontinence that have been qualified for the procedure by a certified urologist, after prerequisite examination and diagnostic procedures have been performed.
QUALIFICATION FOR TREATMENT
Prior to the procedure, a very detailed medical interview assessing the cause of the patient’s incontinence problems must be conducted. Certain causes of urinary incontinence may complicate or disallow artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Any infections of the urogenital system must be fully treated prior to the ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter implantation procedure. Before the patient and physician make the final decision regarding the use of the ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter additional diagnostic tests may be recommended these include:
- A urodynamic study
- A retrograde cystography or cystoscopy
- Urine culture analysis
There are a few contraindications to perform the treatment including: untreated overactive bladder, an unfavorable anesthesiologist opinion, medical and surgical contraindication (i.e. silicon allergy). Every patient is evaluated on an individual basis, each case is carefully examined by the consulting physician who makes the final decision about the patient’s qualification for the procedure.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
The artificial sphincter is implanted during a surgical operation, performed by a certified urologist. During the procedure, the ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter is fully implanted in to the patient’s body in the perineal region – no elements of the implant are visible on the outside. The cuff is wrapped around the urethra and the pump is placed in the scrotum. The device is completely invisible. The procedure itself is not invasive and is performed entirely through a small incision to the skin of the perineum.
HOSPITALIZATION
The patient should be hospitalized for approximately 5 days after the ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter implantation procedure. Usually after 8 weeks the artificial sphincter is ready for use, however before the patient begins using the device on his own he should consult his leading physician. The physician will activate the device and explain how to use it.
HOW CAN I SCHEDULE MY PROCEDURE?
To schedule your procedure qualifying consultation contact us using the free online consultation. We will be glad to anlyze your medical documentation and answer any question you might have.
To schedule your procedure please contact our Patient Coordination Department by calling +48 512 077 461 or sending an email to contact@hifuclinic.eu.
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Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
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Penile Prosthesis Insertion
The aim of this procedure is to restore man's ability to develop erection, e.g., after radical prostatectomy.