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Dr. Paul E. Perito discusses the three types of surgical treatment available to men suffering from urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence, like heart disease or diabetes, is a medical condition and should be treated as such, says Dr. Paul E. Perito. Many men, however, are embarrassed to discuss this issue as it seemingly means admitting that they lack control over the most sacred of male parts: the penis. In reality, urinary incontinence is not about the penis at all, it is usually an issue directly related to nerve or muscle damage. Once medicinal or behavioral therapies have been tried and they have failed, says Dr. Paul E. Perito, surgical options may need to be explored. There are currently three surgical options available to men.

Artificial Sphincter: According to Dr. Paul E. Perito, many men can find relief from urinary incontinence with an artificial sphincter. This device, which ensures that the urethra remains closed until intentional urination, is implanted surgically under either spinal or general anesthesia. According to Dr. Paul E. Perito, the device utilizes a pump placed in the scrotum which is squeezed to take pressure off a liquid filled cuff that fits around the urethra and prevents leakage by pressurizing the area.

Male Sling: Certain men may benefit from a procedure called a sling, says Dr. Paul E. Perito. A surgeon will carefully implant a strip of material around the entire urethra and attach the strip to the bones of the pelvis. According to Dr. Paul E. Perito, the purpose of the sling is to create continual pressure on the urethra halting the accidental leakage of urine until the patient willingly releases. Men with no prior history of pelvic radiation therapy and those who have not undergone an artificial sphincter implantation are the best candidates for a sling, reports Dr. Paul E. Perito.

Urinary Diversion: Dr. Paul E. Perito says that in men who have experienced complete or partial bladder removal, a urinary diversion may be necessary to correct urinary incontinence. Dr. Paul E. Perito reports that this procedure requires the surgeon to create a replacement urine reservoir by removing a portion of the small intestine. Additionally, a stoma will be created by the surgeon, which can then be drained via catheter.

Regardless of which surgical option a patient chooses, an open and uninhibited discussion with the attending physician is necessary to identify any potential risks, notes Dr. Paul E. Perito.

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Dr. Paul E. Perito graduated from the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine in 1988. His Coral Gables, Florida, urology center, Perito Urology, draws patients from around the globe for its innovative and updated Erectile Dysfunction treatments. Having successfully performed over 3,000 penile implants since 2005, Dr. Paul E. Perito is considered a leader in the field. His signature minimally invasive technique, The Perito Approach, has been taught to surgeons worldwide through travel and at Coral Gables Hospital, where he is Director of Urology. Dr. Paul E Perito has participated in countless medical studies in his quest to simplify the penile implant process and make the procedure safer for his patients.

The information contained in this article is provided by Dr. Paul E. Perito for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition.