The commonest cause of male urinary incontinence is radical prostatectomy for the treatment of prostate cancer. In the vast majority of cases, the involuntary leakage is temporary and minor. However, a proportion of men will continue to have significant leakage of urine in the longer term, impacting on their quality of life. Fortunately, there are highly effective treatment options which include insertion of an artificial urinary sphincter, or a synthetic male sling.

Synthetic male slings are generally recommended for men with less severe incontinence and there are various types available. Slings are surgically placed under the urethra via a small incision in the perineum (the area of skin between the scrotum and anus). The sling is designed to pull up on the urethra, but the exact mechanism of regaining continence is debated. Some urologists argue that the urethra is simply compressed by the sling, whilst others favour the idea of the sling preventing of urethral hypermobility (excessive downward movement of the urethra).

Advantages of the male sling are that its insertion is a minor and minimally invasive procedure (performed as either a day case or a single overnight stay) and that the patient is not required to operate it for the sling to function (unlike the artificial urinary sphincter).

The AdVance™ sling is one of the latest models and has recently become popular due to its straightforward insertion technique, high success rates, and low complication rates. AUA urologists are trained in AdVance™ sling insertion, as well as other incontinence surgery.

For a consultation with one of our urologists, please call 03 8506 3600 to make an appointment.