To explore the optimal timing for placing an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) postradiation therapy (RT).

A bi-institutional retrospective review of all patients who underwent their first (virgin) AUS placement after pelvic RT between January 1, 2011 and July 1, 2023. To determine the optimal timeline for device implantation 2-5years post-RT, we compared hazard ratios for device revision/explantation (Rev/Exp) using Kaplan-Meier curves for each year (earlier vs later than 2/3/4/5 years post-RT). The Pearson correlation coefficient identified trends in Rev/Exp reasons (erosion/infection vs other).

Seventy-two patients met our inclusion criteria with a median age of 65.5years (interquartile range 70-81.25). Fifteen (20.8%) had undergone one or more previous urethral or bladder neck interventions (urethroplasty in 1 [1.4%], internal urethrotomy in 7 [9.7%], and bladder neck incision in 9 [12.5%]). After a median follow-up of 57.5months (interquartile range 13-107), a total of 36 (50%) devices were Rev/Exp, with mechanical failure in 14 (19.4%) and device erosion in 12 (16.7%) being the main reasons. Device survival analysis revealed no significant difference in the risk of device Rev/Exp when implanted earlier vs later than 2, 3, 4, or 5years post-RT, with P-values of .3, .3, .4, and .4, respectively. A constant trend toward higher infection/erosion rates as indication for device Rev/Exp the later the insertion was noticed: R² = 0.98.

Despite a small sample size, our study indicates that implanting an AUS within 5 years after RT shows comparable device lifespan. However, later insertions may have higher removal rates due to erosion/infection.

Not applicable.