Implants
An implanted cuff and pump that controls leakage after prostate surgery or radiation, plus revision when a sphincter wears out or fails.
Written and reviewed by Shervin Badkhshan, MD · Last reviewed
November 2026
Part of:
Leakage and bladder control
Outpatient or 1 night
Activation: about 6 weeks
Fellowship-Trained Reconstructive Urology
PROCEDURAL PATHWAY AT-A-GLANCE
Indications, Surgical Technique & Recovery
1. WHO IT'S FOR
• Moderate to severe leakage • After radiation • Leakage after a sling
2. HOW IT'S DONE
• Cuff, pump, balloon • Placed deactivated
3. RECOVERY
• Device off for about 6 weeks • Activation in the office
An artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is an implanted device that controls leakage after prostate surgery or radiation. A cuff around the urethra stays closed to hold urine; squeezing a pump in the scrotum opens it for a few minutes so you can urinate, and then it closes on its own.
Who it's for
Men with moderate to severe stress leakage, men who have had radiation, and men whose leakage continued after a sling. It's the standard treatment for this kind of leakage.
The operation
Usually outpatient or one night. The device is placed deactivated so the area can heal.
Recovery
The device stays off for about six weeks. At an office visit I activate it and teach you to use the pump. Leakage won't improve until then.
Risks
Infection, erosion, mechanical failure over time, and leakage returning as the tissue under the cuff thins. Most problems can be fixed with a revision.
Related
AUS recovery and activation · Leakage after prostate treatment · Sphincter revision
Your results and questions
Your actual test results, visit notes, and messages with your care team are in your patient portal, the same one you use to book visits. Send questions through the portal or call the office at (516) 535-1900. For anything urgent, call the office or go to the nearest emergency room.
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