Artificial urinary sphincter: recent developments and the way forward

Purpose of review The AMS 800 has dominated the treatment of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) for five decades. A narrative review from June 2022 to June 2024 was conducted using ‘artificial urinary sphincter’ (AUS) MeSH terms in Embase. We extracted information on innovative AUS, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective studies, and systematic reviews. We evaluated the latest guidelines and consensus and analyzed current trends to discuss options for advancing AUS practices. Recent findings Of 465 papers identified, 320 were excluded (irrelevant, duplicates, non-AUS devices, non-English, veterinary), and 145 were reviewed, with 24 selected: seven on novel AUS in development, 7 with higher-level evidence (1 RCT, 1 prospective, 4 systematic reviews, 1 nonsystematic review), and 9 retrospective relevant studies [pressure regulating balloon (PRB), revision strategies, radiotherapy history, manual dexterity/cognition, transscrotal vs. transperineal approach]. The final paper summarized current guidelines from Asia & Pacific on AUS. Summary In the past 2 years, six novel AUS have emerged, two female RCTs are ongoing, the SATURN study published its 1-year outcomes, and four systematic reviews on female AUS were conducted. These findings enhance evidence levels and position novel AUS to challenge the Gold Standard.