87 French multicentric prospective study for treatment of postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI) using adjustable continence therapy (PROACT

Introduction:  This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of ProACT™ for treatment of postprostatectomy incontinence. Material and methods:  Using fluoroscopic control two percutaneous balloons are placed at the vesico-urethral anastomosis (Prostatectomy; Ablatherm) or the apex (TURP) and filled with isotonic solution. Postoperatively, 1 ml can be titrated monthly until optimum continence is achieved. Results:  Fifty-eight patients were implanted, 52 postcancer treatment (51 Radical Prostatectomy with 11/51 postradiotherapy and 1/52 Ablatherm) and six following benign surgery (four TURP and two other prostatectomies). Mean age was 70.8 years old (56.6–87.2) with time since initial surgery 5.3 years (6 months–20.6 years). Prior surgical incontinence treatments included artificial urinary sphincters (eight), bulking agent injections (three) and male sling (one). Mean urethral closure pressure (n = 36) was 49 cm of H2O at baseline. Average pads/day was 2.9 (1 to 10). Mean quality of life (I-QoL) was 45 (2–85). At median follow-up (14 months), 11 patients (19%) were dry, 21 (36%) improved, 17 (29 %) unchanged; 2 (3.4%) worse and seven (12%) had undergone explanation. Quality of Life increased to 61 (17–100). Of the 24 postradical prostatectomy patients without radiotherapy, 92 % are improved, 38 % being completely dry. However six (55%) of postradiotherapy patients failed. Sixteen patients required explanation due to infection (two); urinary retention (one); urethral erosion (one); pain (one), defective balloons (two); other (one) non-response (eight). Four patients were successfully re-implanted. Conclusion:  ProACT is an effective treatment option as an alternative to the artificial urinary sphincter.