After the AUS procedure

This depends on the procedure performed. The doctor may remove the catheter right after the procedure or a couple of days after surgery. You can usually leave the hospital two or three days after implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter. You may need to stay in the hospital longer if you cannot urinate or your bladder does not empty itself, or if you have problems in the wound area such as an infection. The recommended length of hospital stay varies in different countries.

After you leave the hospital, your body still needs time to recover from surgery fully. Because of this, the AUS will not be activated until your lower urinary tract has completely healed. This means that in the weeks after the procedure, you will continue to have urine leakage. During this time, you may also experience pain in the pelvic area or feel pain when you urinate. Your doctor can prescribe medication to deal with these symptoms.

The doctor will schedule an appointment to activate the device 4-6 weeks after surgery. Your wound will be checked as well. Usually, stitches that dissolve and disappear are used.

During the recovery period, your doctor may recommend to:

• Consume enough liquid, especially water, to provide at least 2 liters of urine output
• Not lift anything heavier than 5 kilograms
• Not do any heavy exercise
• Take showers instead of baths
• Avoid thermal baths or going to the sauna
• Prevent constipation by adapting your diet
• Avoid sexual activity
• Avoid activities that can traumatize the operation site, such as cycling and horseback riding.

Call your doctor or go back to the hospital right away if you:

• Have a fever
• Are unable to urinate on your own
• Have heavy blood loss or pain
• Notice the wounds start to bleed or leak transparent fluid, or hurts
• Notice swelling, pain, or redness in the scrotum