Laparoscopic implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter around the prostatic urethra.

Objective: To report the first laparoscopic periprostatic implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) after a transurethral resection of the prostate.

Background: The implantation of an AUS is a standard procedure for severe urinary incontinence. In men it is usually implanted through a perineal approach, with the cuff placed around the bulbous urethra, bladder neck, or even around the prostate.

Method: We report a laparoscopic periprostatic implantation of an AUS after a transurethral resection of a prostate in a 72-year-old-man with incontinence.

Results: The operative duration was 180 min and the blood loss was 150 mL. There were no complications. After activating the AUS the patient was totally continent.

Conclusion: The laparoscopic periprostatic implantation of an AUS is a safe, effective and considerably less invasive procedure.