First urologist implants novel device in relieving incontinence from prostate surgery

MedTech News: A novel procedure aims to restore quality of life in Australian men who suffer incontinence issues.

Insertion of an advanced artificial urinary sphincter can relieve stress incontinence caused by weakened or damaged muscles that control urination, which is a common side effect of prostate surgery.

Greenslopes Private Hospital urologist Associate Professor Eric Chung is the first surgeon in the Southern Hemisphere to insert the Rigicon ContiClassic medical device.

“Once patients with incontinence issues are fitted with an artificial urinary sphincter, they’re no longer constrained by incontinence pads and can exercise and undertake normal social interactions without the fear of wet pants or malodorous smell,” A/Prof Chung said.

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“The Rigicon ContiClassic device provides the surgeon the ability to individualise antibiotics selection, offers more cuff-size choices and makes an easier connection between the device components compared to other urinary sphincter devices on the market.”

Urinary incontinence is more common with women, but also affects up to 10% of Australian men.

A/Prof Chung performed the first ContiClassic procedure at the Brisbane hospital – part of the Ramsay Health Care group – on a 69-year-old man who developed urinary incontinence following a radical prostatectomy.

“It’s an honour to be the first surgeon in Australia and the Southern hemisphere to use this artificial urinary sphincter,” he said.

“I believe, as a surgeon, we need to continue to stay at the forefront of technology so we can offer our patients suffering from urinary incontinence the most effective options to regain continence and quality of life.”

In 2021, Rigicon announced the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval of their prosthetic urology portfolio including the Conti Artificial Urinary Sphincter Models. According to the company, with this approval, Rigicon becomes the first medical device solutions provider in the Australian market with a diverse portfolio of men’s health treatment options.