1. The doctor makes an incision near the scrotum, performs dissection to the urethra, measures the urethra to determine the right size cuff, and positions the cuff around the urethra.
2. The balloon is then placed in the abdomen, and the pump is placed in the scrotum.
3. The tubing is connected between the components and they are filled with a sterile fluid, such as saline solution.
4. The doctor closes the incision.

Depending on your level of incontinence, your doctor may decide to use two cuffs to achieve better success. A second cuff has proven to be successful in providing more control for men with persistent, severe incontinence. You will not notice any difference in pump operation if you have two cuffs.

What to Expect After the Procedure
After the surgery, your doctor may insert a catheter into the urethra before the incision is closed. The length of time the catheter is left in place is up to the discretion of your doctor. Your doctor may also ask for ice packs to be placed in the region of the pump to reduce any swelling. Your doctor may ask you to use absorbent pads or a condom catheter until the device is activated four to six weeks after the surgery. This time allows your incision to heal. You will probably have an appointment with your doctor during this time to be sure you are healing properly.

After you are released from the hospital, you may be advised to avoid putting any pressure around the incision area during your recovery from surgery.

You may feel some pain in your scrotum immediately after the surgery and when your AMS 800 is first activated. Some pain after surgery is normal and can usually be treated with oral pain medications.

If the pain is severe or lasts longer than expected, it may be a sign of a complication that may require medical attention. You should contact your doctor if the pain persists. If you notice any redness, swelling or heat around the incision area, or fluids coming from the incision after the procedure, contact your doctor immediately.

Recovery times vary from patient to patient. You can begin walking and eating your normal diet before leaving the hospital. You will be able to return to work and everyday activities (exercise, showering, driving) at the direction of your doctor. You should avoid heavy lifting for six weeks following surgery. Your doctor will talk to you about when you can start using your device, typically four to six weeks following surgery. You will have an appointment with your doctor to activate the device for the first time. During this recovery time and after, take care to avoid trauma (injury) to the pelvic or abdominal area. Always keep in mind that you have a surgical implant and choose your activities wisely. Examples of such trauma may include a seat belt jolt from a car accident, a tackle in a contact sport, or a slip and fall. Trauma may damage the device or surrounding tissue.

Once your AMS 800 is activated, you will be able to control your urination by squeezing the control pump whenever you wish to empty your bladder. It is a good idea to get into the habit of emptying your bladder on a regular basis, such as every two to three hours.

You may also want to have someone else, such as a spouse, know how to operate the AMS 800 so that they can assist you if it becomes necessary.

MedicAlert Information
It is extremely important to let all healthcare professionals know that you have an AMS Sphincter 800 so proper precautions can be taken in treating you. This is especially important if a healthcare provider needs to insert a catheter or any other instrument into the patient's urethra; the AMS 800 urethral cuff must be open and the pump must be deactivated before the patient is catheterized or there is a serious risk of injury to the urethra.

Since the AMS 800 is placed entirely inside the body, no one will know the patient is implanted with the device. This can be a problem if the patient is involved in a medical emergency such as a traffic accident. For this reason, AMS recommends that all patients carry an AMS 800 medical identification card and wear a medical alert emblem to let healthcare providers know that the patient has an AMS Sphincter 800 implanted.

You should receive a temporary medical identification card from the doctor or hospital at the time of surgery. You will receive a permanent plastic medical identification card by mail from AMS. This card provides information about your AMS 800. Carry your ID card with you at all times.

Because AMS is concerned about each patient's well-being, we provide a free 12-month membership to the MedicAlert® service. This membership, compliments of AMS, also includes a complimentary MedicAlert emblem. Information about the free membership will accompany your permanent medical ID card.

MedicAlert is a federally registered trademark and service mark.