An implanted urinary sphincter is a medical device that is used to treat urinary incontinence in men. The device is made up of a cuff that is placed around the urethra, a pump that is placed in the scrotum, and a reservoir that is placed in the abdomen. The cuff is designed to keep the urethra closed and prevent urine from leaking out, while the pump is used to inflate or deflate the cuff as needed. While the device is generally safe and effective, there are some mechanical complications that can occur.
One of the most common mechanical complications of an implanted urinary sphincter is device malfunction. This can happen if the cuff does not inflate or deflate properly, or if the pump or reservoir fails to work. If a malfunction occurs, it can cause the device to not work properly, which can lead to urine leakage and other problems.
Another mechanical complication that can occur with an implanted urinary sphincter is device erosion. This happens when the cuff wears away the tissue around the urethra, which can cause pain, discomfort, and other problems. If device erosion occurs, it may be necessary to remove the device and replace it with another one.
Device displacement is another mechanical complication that can occur with an implanted urinary sphincter. This happens when the pump or reservoir moves out of position, which can cause the cuff to not work properly. If device displacement occurs, it may be necessary to have surgery to reposition the device.
Finally, device infection is another mechanical complication that can occur with an implanted urinary sphincter. This happens when bacteria or other microorganisms infect the device, which can cause pain, fever, and other symptoms. If device infection occurs, it may be necessary to remove the device and treat the infection with antibiotics.
If you have an implanted urinary sphincter and experience any of these mechanical complications, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of action to address the problem and ensure that your device continues to work properly.