Slings (Male)
Slings are appropriate for men with mild-moderate incontinence (less than 3 pads per day).
Slings “boost” up the urethra, restoring support to the urethra that may be lost after prostatectomy. It is performed with an incision in the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus) and two tiny incisions in the groin.
- Benefits: no moving parts, continence is restored immediately
- Risks/downsides: temporary urinary retention (requiring use of a catheter) is common, not as reliable as artificial urinary sphincter (AUS; see below) [link to section on AUS] for more severe incontinence, does not work as well in certain situations (after radiation, immobile urethra)