Queen Mary Hospital Deploys Advanced Device to Treat Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence
Crhk · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Queen Mary Hospital has become the first in Asia to introduce a next-generation urethral pressure regulation device for treating urinary incontinence in prostate cancer patients following tumor removal surgery or radiotherapy. The hospital has completed 16 cases since late 2022, with most patients reporting significant improvement in continence. The device uses an adjustable silicone gel sac that supports the urethral muscles, combined with pelvic floor muscle training for enhanced bladder control. Medical staff can fine-tune the device in outpatient settings based on each patient's severity of urine leakage.
Key Points
- The device consists of a fillable silicone gel sac implanted beneath the skin, with fluid volume adjusted through a subcutaneous injection port
- Thicker sacs provide greater urethral support, allowing doctors to calibrate pressure based on each patient's leakage severity
- The mechanical pump design has a replacement or removal rate below 6% within five years, significantly lower than previous treatment options
- Unlike older treatments, this device can be safely used by patients who have previously undergone radiotherapy, with reduced erosion and infection risks
- A 71-year-old patient, diagnosed in 2022 and treated with prostatectomy plus over 30 radiotherapy sessions, recovered his exercise routine after receiving the implant
Why It Matters
Urinary incontinence affects 2 to 3 in every 100 prostate cancer patients even one year after surgery, severely impacting quality of life. This new technology provides a minimally invasive treatment option with broader applicability, offering renewed hope to patients previously considered unsuitable for existing therapies. The hospital plans to extend this technique to other public hospitals, potentially benefiting thousands of Hong Kong men recovering from prostate cancer treatment .
Urinary incontinence affects 2 to 3 in every 100 prostate cancer patients even one year after surgery, severely impacting quality of life. This new technology provides a minimally invasive treatment option with broader applicability, offering renewed hope to patients previously considered unsuitable for existing therapies. The hospital plans to extend this technique to other public hospitals, potentially benefiting thousands of Hong Kong men recovering from prostate cancer treatment .