For your convenience, we have made some of our more commonly used patient urological surgery instructions available for review online. Please contact our office if you have questions about any of the information presented here.
American Medical Systems Artificial Urethral Sphincter 800
Post-operative Instructions (Male)
You have undergone placement of an American Medical Systems (AMS) Artificial Urethral Sphincter 800. You have one incision underneath your penis. In some cases you may have a second incision in your groin or lower abdomen. The Foley catheter placed during the surgery should be removed the morning following surgery and you will need to void prior to being discharged from the hospital.
Incision Care
You may shower 48 hours after surgery, but no tub baths for 10 days. The incision should not be vigorously scrubbed. It can be gently patted dry after you complete your shower.
The strips on the groin incision should start to faIl off within a week. If they do not come off on their own, you may remove them in one (1) week.
Please call the Urological Institute at 518-262-3341 to report any excessive redness, cloudy fluid or increasing pain at your incision site.
The Pump
The pump is located in either the right or left side of your scrotum. Gently tug on the pump 2-3 times per day. This action helps to keep the pump in its final position.
Do not squeeze the pump; it is currently deactivated. To activate the pump you would have to squeeze it forcefully. You are unlikely to do it accidentally.
Activity
You may engage in regular light activities for the next two (2) weeks.
Aside from walking around the house, keep off your feet for the first two (2) days and elevate the scrotum (with a towel) as often as possible to decrease swelling.
No heavy lifting (greater than 5 pounds) for six (6) weeks.
No driving for 1-2 weeks. If you continue to take pain medication, you should wait until you no longer require it.
Discharge Medications
You will be given a prescription for a pain medication, stool softener and an antibiotic.
Please resume all your previous medications unless you are taking a blood thinner. Typically blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs ( eg. Ibuprofen) or platelet deactivating agents can be resumed 7 days after surgery but it is a good idea to discuss this verbally after surgery. Any problems with diabetic medications are best addressed by your PCP.
Follow-up
An appointment will be made for two (2) weeks to check your wound (this appointment is optional and may be waived if you have no problems) and in six (6) weeks for activation of the sphincter. Please call Heather to make an appointment once you are discharged from the hospital if she has not already called you.
If you have any problems before that time such as fever, increasing pain at your incision site, or increasing scrotal redness, call the Urological Institute at 518-262-3341