If you’ve undergone major surgery on your prostate, such as radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), you now may be dealing with another issue: incontinence. An innovative new device called the AdVanceTM Male Sling System may provide a solution.

Prostate surgery may result in damage to the alignment between the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, and the urinary sphincter, the valve that controls urine flow. The AdVance sling, which is a thin piece of mesh, helps repair this damage by moving the urethra back into its original position and allowing the sphincter to resume its function.

Unlike previous sling systems, this device does not need to be implanted by drilling screws into the pubic bone. “It’s a minimally invasive, less painful technique,” says Michael Phillips, MD, Clinical Professor of Urology at The George Washington University Hospital and the first surgeon in DC to offer this advanced treatment. Also, because it optimizes the function of the natural sphincter instead of replacing it with an artificial sphincter, patients are able to urinate naturally.

This procedure is minimally invasive, requiring only three small incisions, and takes about an hour. Patients usually resume normal activities in two to three days, but should avoid heavy lifting and stretching for six weeks so the sling can heal in place.

If urinary incontinence is hampering your lifestyle and you’d like to know about this new treatment option, please call (202) 223-1024.

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As seen in The George Washington University Hospital Health News Spring 2007.