Is the implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter with a large cuff in women with severe urinary incontinence associated with worse perioperative complications and functional outcomes than usual?

Introduction and hypothesis As the subsequent risks of complications and explantation increase with the size of the cuff, we aimed to assess functional outcomes after the implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) with a large cuff (≥8 cm) in women with severe urinary incontinence. Methods Fifty women underwent an AUS placement with a large cuff between 1984 and 2007. Forty-three (86%) had previously undergone anti-incontinence procedures. The AUS was implanted with an open surgical technique using a transverse abdominal approach. The cuff was placed around the bladder neck between the periurethral fascia and the vagina. Perioperative complications were reviewed. To assess the resolution of urinary incontinence, all patients were seen at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and yearly thereafter. Results The mean age was 59 ± 12.4 years (26–81). The mean BMI was 27.3 ± 5.1 (19–37). The mean pre-operative closure pressure was 19.1 ± 9.4 cmH 2 O (3–46). The mean hospital stay was 14.1 ± 5 days (5–28). The mean follow-up was 8 ± 5.6 years. Incontinence was completely resolved in 34 women (68%). The protective factors to avoid explantation were a number of gestations less than two ( p = 0.04), a closure pressure higher than 19 cmH 2 O ( p = 0.04) and a cuff size equivalent to 8 cm ( p = 0.005). Conclusions Specific anatomical conditions can sometimes lead to AUS implantation with a large cuff with encouraging outcomes. Thus, surgeons should not be reluctant to place a large cuff when the situation requires it.