Go to content Go to navigation

ProACT™ Frequently Asked Questions

I am incontinent after a radical prostatectomy. How long should one wait to consider surgery?

Most urologists suggest doing pelvic floor exercises for at least 6-12 months. If after this period there is no improvement, many will consider surgery to treat the incontinence at this time.

Back to Top

What is the difference between a (male) sling and ProACT?

A male sling is a long strip of woven propylene material (mesh) that is used to compress or reposition the urethra. These devices can typically not be adjusted to the patient’s individual needs. ProACT balloons are small balloons made from silicone, attached by tubing to an injectable port placed under the skin. ProACT works by compressing the urethra just enough to ensure there is no leakage. ProACT can be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient by injecting fluid into the balloon.

There are several types of male slings. Male slings tend to be somewhat more invasive than ProACT. If removal is required, this tends to be more complicated. Slings are also typically suggested for patients suffering from mild to moderate incontinence, while ProACT has been used successfully in patients with mild, moderate and severe incontinence.

Back to Top

Is the type of prostatectomy procedure (laparoscopic, robotic, nerve sparing, perineal or abdominal) of significance when considering ProACT?

There may be small differences in the incontinence rates after each of these surgeries. However, incontinence is certainly a possible complication in all of these and ProACT can be a beneficial treatment in all of these patient groups.

Back to Top

What is the difference between an artificial urinary sphincter and ProACT?

The artificial urinary sphincter is a device consisting of a three main components (cuff to constrict the urethra, reservoir and pump, connected with tubing). The Artificial Urinary Sphincter can not be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient. ProACT balloons are small balloons made from silicone, attached by tubing to an injectable port placed under the skin. ProACT works by compressing the urethra just enough to ensure there is no leakage. ProACT can be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient by injecting fluid into the balloon.

The implant procedure for an artificial urinary sphincter is more complex and invasive than the insertion of ProACT. Also, with an artificial urinary sphincter the patient will have to push a button, located in the scrotum, every time you want to urinate. With ProACT, there is no need for active patient involvement to urinate.

Back to Top

I have had external beam irradiation to deal with elevated PSA after a radical prostatectomy; am I still a candidate for ProACT?

Experience has shown that patients who have been irradiated do not do as well with ProACT as non-radiated patients. As a result, we would recommend that these patients not be implanted.

Back to Top

Where can I find a doctor with whom I can discuss ProACT?

You can check the physician finder located on this website. Or if no physicians are listed for your country, you can contact Uromedica directly.

Back to Top

I have heard about the use of stem cells to treat Stress Urinary Incontinence. Is this something I should consider?

Stem cell based treatment may hold promise. However, at this time this approach is still very much in the research stage and results are mixed. Studies will have to show whether this treatment can indeed deliver on its promise. Commercial use of this approach is still quite a few years away.

—This page last modified Wednesday October 8, 2008