Sling Procedures for Post Prostatectomy Incontinence: What Devices Are Out There? and What Are Their Results?

Abstract

With increasing rates of radical prostatectomy, post prostatectomy incontinence represents a growing challenge for urologists. The artificial urinary sphincter is a highly effective treatment but is invasive, expensive and associated with mechanical failure. Over the past two decades, a plethora of minimally invasive sling devices to treat post prostatectomy incontinence have become available. This review aims to describe the various male slings available and the evidence supporting their use. Various sling devices are available, each with limited generally low quality evidence reporting their efficacy and safety. Few comparative studies are available. Evolving mid-term data suggest that male slings are an effective alternative to artificial urinary sphincter for well-selected patients. Further study is needed to provide higher quality particularly comparative evidence to support the continued use of male sling devices.