Experience with the artificial urinary sphincter in children and young adults.

The artificial urinary sphincter (model AS 791-792), American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, Minn.) has been implanted in 41 patients (mean age 13.9 years) who were incontinent in spite of intensive efforts with other modes of management. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction is present in 34 patients. Seven patients have non-neuropathic dysfunction of the bladder neck and urethra (3 with exstrophy/epispadias, 3 incontinent after multiple bladder and urethral procedures, and 1 incontinent after a pelvic fracture). Twenty-two patients have had intestinocystoplasty performed and 11 patients had previous urinary diversion. Mean follow-up for a given device is 23 months (range 6 to 47 months). Of these patients, 80.5% are totally or acceptably dry. Five patients (12.2%) were rated as fair, and three were failures (7.3%). Complications have been significant in that reoperation has been necessary in 16 patients. Indications for patient selection is emphasized.