artificial urinary sphincter
Also written as: AUS — Artificial Urinary Sphincter
Implantable prosthetic device used to treat severe urinary incontinence by providing controllable compression around the urethra or bladder neck.
Full Definition
A surgically implanted prosthetic device consisting of an inflatable cuff placed around the urethra or bladder neck, a pressure-regulating balloon in the abdomen, and a control pump placed in the scrotum or labia. The device provides continence by maintaining constant pressure on the urethra, which can be temporarily released by activating the pump to allow voiding. In pediatric patients, the AUS is reserved for severe incontinence cases that have failed conservative management, often in children with neurogenic bladder or sphincteric deficiency following trauma or surgery. The device requires patient dexterity for operation and carries risks of mechanical failure, erosion, and infection.
Usage
Usage note: Specify device model and cuff size when documenting; AUS commonly used abbreviation.
In Context
- "The artificial urinary sphincter provided excellent continence control in this neurogenic bladder patient." — Follow-up evaluation
- "AUS revision was required due to cuff erosion eighteen months after initial implantation." — Complication report