AUS, Infections, and Scarring

[JSFD]

I now have an artificial sphincter.  It is relatively comfortable.  But, with recurring scar tissue every 3 months or so since my January 2007 surgery and constant tract infections, I have not felt well for almost two years.  Is there a way to ward off the infections without antibiotics all of the time?  What can I watch for?

I have read that the scarring eventually will end, but being under anesthesia every 3 months is not a prospect that has helped my mental well-being.  

Any observations would be welcome.

[Ash Tewari, MD, M.Ch.]

The initial presenting sign of infection is usually pain, often located at the scrotal pump. Later manifestation include fluctuance (feeling a mass in the scrotum that is moveable and copmressible) , warmth, and fever.
If you are having recurrent infections with scarring you may want to talk to your urologist about removing the AUS and starting intravenous antibiotics.  A new device may be implanted again, but a a rest period of 3-6 months is recommended before proceeding with a new artificial urinary sphincter placement.

[otherhalf]

A related discussion, artificial sphincter was started.

[JSFD]

This was helpful.  The scarring is directly related to the original surgery in 2007.   The infections also began at that time of course.  Starting over to consider intravenous antibiotics is a consideration, though the horrors of complete incontinence again are hard to face.  Thank you.