Long-term results of artificial urinary sphincters in children are independent of age at implantation.

PURPOSE

The long-term success and efficacy of the artificial urinary sphincter for the management of neurogenic incontinence have been well documented. We evaluated if long-term results were affected by patient age at the time of sphincter placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter placement and had minimum of 10 years of followup was conducted. All patients with an intact sphincter were interviewed to assess current results. Patients were stratified into groups 1 and 2 if the sphincter was implanted before or after age 11 years, respectively, and the results were compared statistically.

RESULTS

An artificial urinary sphincter was placed in 45 children at Children's Hospital of Michigan between October 1978 and August 1986, and medical records and followup were available for 32. Mean followup was 15.4 years. Of the 21 group 1 patients 12 (57%) have an intact sphincter after 26 revisions, and all are dry and 9 (75%) require intermittent catheterization. Of the 11 group 2 patients 7 (64%) have an intact sphincter, and 6 (86%) are dry, 3 (43%) perform intermittent catheterization and 6 required 8 revisions. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of artificial urinary sphincter removals, continence, revision rate, bladder augmentations, complications or upper tract changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The artificial urinary sphincter is a successful and durable option for the surgical management of neurogenic incontinence. The long-term results appear independent of patient age at the time of sphincter placement.