Compression or obstruction: Prospective analysis of the function of the Adjustable Transobturator Male System

Introduction: This analysis, based on pre- and postoperative urodynamic data, is the first to elucidate the influence of the Adjustable Transobturator Male System (ATOMS, A.M.I. GmbH, Feldkirch, Austria) on the lower urinary tract and disclose possible obstructive properties. Methods: A prospective study was performed in patients who had stress urinary incontinence and were scheduled for ATOMS implantation after radical prostatectomy. Apart from continence assessment (24-hour pad test, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form [ICIQ-SF]), urodynamic testing was done with International Continence Society (ICS)-standardized pressure-flow analysis before and after ATOMS implantation/adjustment. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The analysis included 12 consecutive patients from two centers (mean age 69 years) with a mean followup of 246 days. Median urine leakage dropped from 240 (72-1250) to 70 (0-700) g/24 hours postoperatively, with a pad reduction of 4 to 0.9 pads/day. Pressure-flow analysis revealed a significant change only in the bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI). The bladder contractility index, intravesical pressure conditions, and uroflowmetry were not significantly affected. None of the patients showed de novo obstruction postoperatively in the ICS analysis. Conclusions: The ATOMS significantly increases the BOOI in conjunction with good continence results. However, no case reached pathological level according to the BOOI and thus there is no potential danger to the lower urinary tract or urethral integrity.