Clifton, NJ
201-201-3456
Book Now

Treatment in Clifton, NJ

Artificial Urinary Sphincter

Restore Bladder Control & Confidence

Introduction to Artificial Urinary Sphincter

Men can experience problems with urinary leakage after prostate surgery or other treatments involving the prostate. For some, the problem becomes severe enough to interfere with exercise, social activities, and everyday routines. An artificial urinary sphincter can provide greater bladder control when other treatments have not been successful.

At his practice in Clifton, NJ, Dr. Karl Coutinho treats urinary incontinence using his extensive training in genitourinary reconstruction and prosthetics. He provides individualized treatment for men throughout the greater New York metropolitan area who are considering an artificial urinary sphincter to regain greater urinary control and improve their quality of life.

Smiling senior businessman wearing glasses and blue blazer outdoors in natural setting - Artificial urinary spincter in Clifton, NJ

What Is an Artificial Urinary Sphincter?

An artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is an implanted device used to treat stress urinary incontinence, particularly in men who continue to experience leakage following prostate treatment. The device helps keep the urethra closed until you are ready to urinate. To urinate, you manually open the device by pressing a hidden button in the scrotum.

The device has three main components and is hidden entirely inside the body with no external parts. A fluid-filled cuff fits around the urethra, while a small pump is placed in the scrotum and a pressure-regulating balloon is positioned internally. When it is time to urinate, the patient squeezes the pump to release pressure from the cuff so urine can pass. Afterward, the cuff refills on its own and closes around the urethra again.

Learn More About Artificial Urinary Sphincters

The following video provides additional information about artificial urinary sphincters and how these devices are used to treat stress urinary incontinence.

AMS 800™ Artificial Urinary Sphincter

Artificial Urinary Sphincter and Other Urologic Conditions

Stress urinary incontinence may occur alongside other urologic conditions, particularly in men who have undergone prostate cancer treatment or previous pelvic surgery. Dr. Coutinho can evaluate these concerns together and determine how they may affect your treatment plan.

Some men, particularly following prostate cancer treatment, experience both stress urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Dr. Coutinho’s prosthetic expertise allows him to evaluate both conditions and determine whether an AUS and penile prosthesis should be approached through a staged treatment plan.

Who Are the Best Candidates for an Artificial Urinary Sphincter?

Men with persistent stress urinary incontinence who have not achieved adequate improvement with more conservative treatments may be candidates for an artificial urinary sphincter. Dr. Coutinho will evaluate your urinary function, medical and surgical history, previous treatments, and individual needs before determining whether an AUS is right for you.

For men with bothersome stress urinary incontinence after prostate treatment, current American Urologic Association guidance supports discussing an artificial urinary sphincter across a broad range of severity, from mild through severe leakage. The choice between an AUS and other options depends on severity, prior radiation or urethral surgery, anatomy, manual dexterity, and patient preference.

Ideal candidates may:

  • Continue to deal with stress urinary incontinence after prostate surgery or another prostate treatment
  • Have urinary leakage that makes daily activities more difficult
  • Have already tried conservative options but are still experiencing leakage
  • Have the manual dexterity needed to squeeze the implanted pump
  • Understand what the device can and cannot accomplish

What Are the Benefits of an Artificial Urinary Sphincter?

For appropriately selected patients with persistent stress urinary incontinence, an artificial urinary sphincter can improve urinary control and reduce dependence on pads or diapers. Potential benefits include:

  • Improved urinary control
  • High degree of discretion and comfort
  • Patients control the device by squeezing a small pump
  • Increased confidence and quality of life
Professional businessman in suit and glasses smiling while using digital tablet in modern office setting - in Clifton, NJ

How to Begin Your Artificial Urinary Sphincter Journey

Your first step is a consultation with Dr. Coutinho and his team in Clifton, NJ. This visit gives him an opportunity to learn more about your urinary symptoms, previous treatments, and medical history, and to determine whether an artificial urinary sphincter may be right for you. Your consultation may include:

  • A thorough medical assessment and review of previous surgeries, allergies, and medications
  • A physical evaluation and evaluation of the urine channel via cystoscopy
  • An open, honest discussion about your goals, preferences, and expectations
  • Answers to all your questions
  • A look at the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure
  • A discussion of other urologic conditions or procedures that may affect your treatment plan
  • The formulation of a personalized surgical plan
  • Information on how to best prepare for surgery

What to Expect on the Day of an Artificial Urinary Sphincter

On the day of your artificial urinary sphincter surgery in Clifton, NJ, you will be greeted by our care team and prepared for your procedure. The surgery is performed under anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout treatment. Surgical times can vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan, but are generally about one hour. Most patients go home the same day of surgery.

During surgery, Dr. Coutinho will place a fluid-filled cuff around the urethra, along with a pressure-regulating balloon internally and a small control pump within the scrotum. The components work together to keep the urethra closed and help prevent urinary leakage. After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery area for close monitoring.

Smiling mature man with gray beard in white sweater standing confidently next to black ladder in bright modern interior - in Clifton, NJ

Artificial Urinary Sphincter Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Artificial Urinary Sphincter Care

Recovery after artificial urinary sphincter surgery generally takes several weeks. During this period, the device remains deactivated to allow the surgical sites to heal. Urinary leakage can continue during this time and should improve once Dr. Coutinho activates the device and shows you how to use it.

Some swelling, soreness, and bruising are normal during the initial recovery period and should gradually improve. Dr. Coutinho will provide a detailed aftercare plan and monitor your progress at follow-up appointments. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity should be avoided until you are cleared to resume them. The artificial urinary sphincter is typically activated approximately six weeks after surgery, depending on your healing.

How Much Does an Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cost in New Jersey?

Pricing for an artificial urinary sphincter in Clifton, NJ, and the greater New York metropolitan area can vary according to your individual surgical plan and the complexity of your treatment. These procedures are generally covered by insurance. Once the doctor has completed your introductory consultation and medical assessment, the office can provide a precise, customized quote. You should always verify your cost and coverage directly with your insurance carrier and plan.

Why Choose Dr. Coutinho?

Dr. Karl Coutinho is a fellowship-trained reconstructive urologist with advanced training in genitourinary reconstruction and prosthetics. Artificial urinary sphincter surgery often requires more than simply placing a device: prior prostate surgery, radiation, urethral stricture disease, previous reconstruction, and tissue quality can all affect surgical planning.

Dr. Coutinho has contributed to peer-reviewed research on evaluation before artificial urinary sphincter placement. He co-authored a study examining the characteristics and outcomes of men who did not demonstrate leakage during intubated urodynamics before AUS surgery, adding an academic perspective to the evaluation of complex incontinence patients.

His reconstructive background is particularly relevant when continence problems coexist with urethral stricture disease, previous urethroplasty, radiation injury, or other changes to the urinary tract. He evaluates the continence problem and the urethra together when developing an individualized treatment plan.

pub-banner-overlay

Artificial Urinary Sphincter FAQ’S

Related Content

Urethroplasty

Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

Peyronie’s Disease

Patient Reviews

  • My surgery was life changing and the recovery period was better than I ever expected. I would highly recommend Dr Coutinho , he is the best.

    View Gallery Claude R.

  • I had an outstanding experience with Dr. Coutinho and their entire urology team. They truly go above and beyond.

    View Gallery Jenney S.

  • Dr Karl Coutinho is an excellent doctor in his field. He made me feel whole again after doing two procedures for me.

    View Gallery Keith A.

  • I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic

    I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic, professional and Knowledgeable Dr Coutinho performed a very difficult surgery on me. I had absolutely no pain.

    View Gallery
Patient Reviews

East Coast Advanced Urology

Schedule Your Consultation

To learn more about artificial urinary sphincter surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karl Coutinho in Clifton, NJ. During your visit, he can evaluate your urinary symptoms, review previous treatments, and determine whether an AUS may be appropriate for your needs. Call today to schedule your consultation.

Contact Us