Quality of life and patient satisfaction after artificial urinary sphincter

Abstract

We assessed satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) in men with artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement. We identified 39 men who had AUS placement. A retrospective chart review was conducted. Validated questionnaires, including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Post-Operative Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-SF), and Urogenital Distress Index (UDI-SF), were used to measure patient-reported outcome. Global satisfaction was also assessed. At chart review, 34 of 39 questionnaires were assessed for QOL, satisfaction and surgical outcome. Follow-up ranged from 7 to 60 months (median = 24 months). Surgical revisions were required in 6 (17.6%) patients due to infection (1), erosion (1), combined infection and erosion (1), device failure (1) and second cuff placement (2). Quality of life was assessed using the IIQ-SF and UDI-SF, with mean scores of 15.4 and 24.8, respectively; these scores indicated a low negative impact on QOL. The ICIQ-SF mean score was 8.2, well below the worst possible score. The number of men using more than 1 pad per day dropped from 27 preoperatively to 10 postoperatively. Most patients (31/34) described their urinary condition as better, 2 had no change and 1 was worse. Most patients (31/34, 91.2%) would be willing to undergo the procedure again, 2 were undecided, and 1 would not. Similarly, 28 patients (82.4%) would recommend the procedure to a friend, 3 respondents would "with reservation," 1 respondent was undecided, and 2 would not recommend the AUS placement. Treatment of urinary incontinence with the AUS has a positive effect on QOL with high patient satisfaction and reasonably low complication rates.