Hi All.. my general enquiry is around the BNI procedure. I had a bladder neck incision following a consistently weak flow (5/7ml) over 14 months following prostate removal and subsequent scarring. My consultant advised the procedure was required prior to fitment of Artificial Urinary Sphincter device, to enable correct flow. Im totally incontinent. My question is a general one around BNI - healing, pain, bleeding etc. I'm 2 weeks into my recovery. Thanks.
Mark,
I was in a similar situation so I’ll share what I know. I was totally incontinent with a similar low flow rate, but with a badly scarred external sphincter after GL TURP that also cut the bladder neck. I had several procedures to deal with the strictures (scaring).I ultimately was able to have the AUS implant, and it’s been working fine for over 2 years with peak flow of about 35 ml/second when I empty the bladder.
You will have to have a Foley in place during and after the AUS implant, so I would think that 6 weeks would be adequate for healing. Each doctor has his own requirements. My doctor said that normally, he wanted the patient to be patent (open) 12 weeks after a procedure to deal with strictures. He finally got creative and scheduled the AUS implant only 6 weeks after my last stricture procedure. I was checked at 6 weeks, was patent, and a week later I had the AUS implant.
You should call your doctor and ask how soon you can have the implant. BTW, make sure he is highly experienced in doing implants. I will be happy to give you the name of my doctor, and some of the doctors who have served a fellowship under him.
Glenn
Thanks Glenn, I’ve read a number of your posts and inspired by the success of your procedure with fitment of AUS. It’s now been 5 weeks since my bladder neck incision to repair the scarring left following radical prostatectomy. My flow rate is now very good compared to the 5ml/sec rate but I have to self catheterize to maintain the opening under healing Unfortunately it looks like the tube is not going fully into bladder, so will have a further Cystoscopy to confirm the hole is sufficient for me to progress to AUS fitment. As mentioned my flow rate is very good but being totally incontinent I’m relying on coloplast Conveen sheaths with 250ml leg bags during the day and level 3 pads at night. My surgeon is currently looking at possibly end of March to fit AUS but all is dependent on how the bladder neck opening performs on healing.