Transrectal ultrasound guided implantation of the ProACT adjustable continence therapy system in patients with post-radical prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the feasibility and potential advantages of ProACT system implantation using transrectal ultrasound rather than fluoroscopy for guidance.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The transrectal ultrasound guided procedure was done between June and October 2005 in 7 patients with a mean age of 68.4 years (range 53 to 76) with mild to severe stress urinary incontinence after laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy.
RESULTS: The ProACT system was successfully implanted in all cases without perioperative complications. Time needed to complete the overall procedure was 15 to 30 minutes. All transrectal ultrasound studies performed during the mean followup of 4.2 months (range 2 to 6) confirmed the exact location of the devices.
CONCLUSIONS: ProACT system implantation is feasible using transrectal ultrasound for guidance. Transrectal ultrasound enables excellent imaging of all anatomical landmarks during the entire procedure and it seems to provide considerable advantages over fluoroscopy in terms of safety and accuracy.