Home
Physicians
Nurse Practitioners
Services
 Ambulatory Surgery
 Clinical Trials
Patient Info
Patient Forms
Post-Operative Instructions
Locations/Hours
Contact Info
Patient Education
Glossary

Artificial Genitourinary Sphincter (AGUS)

Diet:

You may return to your normal diet within 24 hours following your surgery. You may note some mild nausea and possibly vomiting the first six to eight hours following surgery. This is usually due to the side effects of anesthesia, and will disappear quite soon. We suggest clear liquids and a very light meal the first evening following surgery.

Activity:

Your physical activity should be restricted the first forty-eight hours. During that time you should remain relatively inactive, moving about only when necessary. During the first 2 weeks following surgery you should avoid lifting any heavy objects (anything greater than 10 pounds), and avoid strenuous exercise. If you work, ask us specifically about your restrictions, both for home and work. We will write a note to your employer if needed.

You should plan to wear a tight pair of jockey shorts or an athletic support for the first 4-5 days, even to sleep. This will keep the scrotum immobilized to some degree and keep the swelling down.

Ice packs should be placed over the scrotum on and off for the first 48 hours. Frozen peas or corn in a ZipLoc bag wrapped in a kitchen towel can be applied to the surgical site. 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off is a reasonable schedule. The ice is a good pain reliever and keeps the swelling down. Do not apply anything frozen directly to the skin.

*The pump that has been placed in the scrotum tends to migrate up towards the abdomen and needs to be pulled down into the scrotum twice a day for the first 3 weeks. For easy access and operation, it is essential that the pump stays in the scrotum.

Wound:

Your incisions are sealed from outside bacteria within two days of surgery. Nonetheless, you should protect it from dirt and soiling for the first ten days or so. The incisions will be tender for the first week and the edges should NOT be pulled apart. If you have Seri-Srips, they should be left on for at least 10-14 days, if possible. After this period, you may remove them. If a NEW area of redness or swelling occurs, please call us.

Hygiene:

You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Tub bathing or submerging you r incision in water (pools, Jacuzzis, etc.) should be restricted until after approved by your physician. Generally, this is 3-4 weeks after your surgery.

Medication:

You will be sent home with some type of pain medication. In most cases you will be sent home with a narcotic pain pill. If the pain is less severe, we encourage you to take either Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) which contain no narcotic agents. Keep in mind that many narcotic pain medications also contain acetaminophen and you should take no more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen per day. If the pain medication you are sent home with does not control the pain, please contact our office.

You will also be sent home with an antibiotic. You should finish the entire bottle of pills.

Problems You Should Report To Us:

• Fever of 101° Fahrenheit.
• Moderate or severe swelling under the skin incision or involving the scrotum.
• Drug reactions such as hives, a rash, nausea or vomiting.

Follow-Up:

If you do not already have an appointment, you should contact our office within 24 hours to set up your first follow-up appointment. This visit, to check your incision and progress, is usually set up 1 week following your surgery.