Does Radiation Timing Impact Outcomes of Artificial Urinary Sphincter for post-prostatectomy incontinence?

Over the median follow-up periods of 15.6 months (pre-AUS) and 27.7 months (post-AUS), complications such as device erosion occurred at rates of 12.2% for the pre-AUS group and 6.6% for the post-AUS group. Device infections occurred only in the pre-AUS group (4.8% of cases).

The need for revision surgeries was comparable between the two groups (25.2% for pre-AUS vs. 18.8% for post-AUS, p=0.761). These results suggest that the timing of radiation has no significant impact on overall outcomes. The patients in both groups showed meaningful improvements in continence with similar rates of complications and surgical revisions.

The slightly lower infection and erosion rates in the post-AUS radiation group, though not statistically significant, may warrant further investigation. Also, younger average age in the post-AUS group highlighted a potential variable to consider in future research. Overall, this study provided strong insights for urologists and patients deciding on the sequencing of radiation therapy and AUS placement. The findings indicate that patients can expect consistent benefits and risks regardless of radiation timing by offering flexibility in treatment planning.

Source:

Bochner, E., Johnson, B., Franzen, B., Hertz, A., Matz, E., Hudak, S., & VanDyke, M. (2025). Artificial urinary sphincter placement before or after radiation therapy: Does timing of radiation impact surgical complications and continence? Urology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2025.01.003