Male Urinary Incontinence Management
Male incontinence can have a significant impact on quality of life, but with the right treatment, individuals can regain control and lead a normal life. At Netcare Pretoria East Hospital, Dr. Johan Venter provides comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans to address male incontinence. Using the latest techniques and technology, he helps patients manage the condition effectively through a variety of options.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for male incontinence, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. These options include:
- Behavioural Techniques: These are non-invasive methods aimed at improving bladder control. Techniques like pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), bladder training, and fluid management can significantly reduce symptoms of incontinence.
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- Medication: Medications can help manage symptoms by targeting the bladder’s overactive muscles or improving the bladder’s ability to retain urine. These are typically prescribed when behavioural techniques are insufficient.
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- Surgery: In cases where conservative methods are ineffective, surgical interventions may be required. Two common procedures are the Male Sling Procedure and the Artificial Urinary Sphincter Procedure. These surgeries aim to restore bladder control by providing support to the urethra or by creating a new mechanism to control urine flow.
Bladder Function
The bladder functions as the body’s storage for urine. It is a muscular organ that stores urine until it is released through the urethra during urination. Normal bladder function requires coordination between the bladder muscles, the urinary sphincter (a muscle that controls the release of urine), and the brain. Any disruption in this coordination can lead to incontinence, where an individual may experience leakage or the inability to control urination.
How to Detect Incontinence / Signs of Incontinence
Incontinence may present with several noticeable signs. Common symptoms include frequent, urgent, or uncontrollable urges to urinate, leakage of urine during physical activity, or difficulty holding urine for extended periods. If these symptoms occur regularly or interfere with daily life, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Dr. Johan Venter can help diagnose the type and severity of incontinence through a detailed examination and appropriate diagnostic tests.
Male Sling Procedure (Virtue® Male Sling)
The Virtue® Male Sling is a minimally invasive surgical treatment option for male stress urinary incontinence, particularly when the condition results from prostate surgery. The procedure involves placing a small sling around the urethra to provide additional support and control the release of urine. This method is highly effective for men who have mild to moderate incontinence and have not responded to conservative treatments.
Indications and Procedure: The Virtue® sling is typically recommended for men with persistent stress incontinence after prostate surgery. The procedure involves a small incision, through which the sling is placed around the urethra. The surgery is relatively quick, performed under general anaesthesia, and has a short recovery time.
Benefits: The male sling offers significant benefits, including improved quality of life, reduced incontinence, smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and a quick recovery period. Most patients experience marked improvement or complete resolution of their incontinence after the procedure.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter (VICTO® AUS)
The VICTO® Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) is a surgical option for men with more severe or persistent incontinence, particularly when other treatments have not been effective. The VICTO® AUS is a mechanical device that mimics the function of the natural urinary sphincter, allowing the patient to control the release of urine.
Indications and Procedure: The VICTO® AUS is indicated for men with severe stress urinary incontinence, often after prostate cancer surgery. It involves implanting a small pump in the scrotum, a cuff around the urethra, and a pressure-regulating balloon in the abdomen. The patient can control the pump to release urine when needed.
Benefits: The VICTO® AUS procedure provides excellent results in controlling severe incontinence, with many patients experiencing improved quality of life and restored independence. The procedure has a high success rate, allowing patients to manage incontinence effectively. It also provides a more natural and reliable solution compared to other options, with minimal visible scarring and a relatively quick recovery time.
Incontinence treatment at Netcare Pretoria East with Dr. Johan Venter combines medical expertise and advanced techniques to help patients regain bladder control and improve their quality of life. Whether through conservative management or surgical interventions like the Male Sling or Artificial Urinary Sphincter, patients can find the right solution for their needs