The ProACT™ Adjustable Continence Therapy for Men is a minimally invasive surgical treatment option for men who have stress incontinence as a result of a radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate. The procedure to place the ProACT balloons is approximately 30 minutes in duration. Once the ProACT device is implanted, the device can be tailored to the patient’s individual needs during following office visits. After implant, urination will occur normally without manual manipulation at anytime.
ProACT Adjustable Continence Therapy for Men
The ProACT™ Adjustable Continence Therapy for Men is a minimally invasive surgical treatment option for men who have stress incontinence as a result of a radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate. The procedure to place the ProACT balloons is approximately 30 minutes in duration. Once the ProACT device is implanted, the device can be tailored to the patient’s individual needs during following office visits. After implant, urination will occur normally without manual manipulation at anytime.
ProACT Balloons
Each ProACT implant consists of a medical-grade silicone balloon and titanium filling port connected by tubing. The balloons are implanted on either side of the bladder neck and the port is placed under the skin of the scrotum to be easily accessible by a urologist for adjustments. The ports are approximately the size of a No. 2 pencil eraser and placed in a discreet location unnoticeable by others.
Over 10,000 patients have been implanted with ProACT.
How does the ProACTTM Therapy work?
|
The prostate provides support to the bladder by restricting the flow of urine through two valves. After prostate surgery, the valves that prevent the flow of urine during times of strain may have been damaged or removed. |
The ProACT balloons are implanted where the prostate was removed to help replace the support it provided. The devices support the bladder by providing pressure that keeps the bladder outlet closed during moments of physical activity. |
The ProACT™ Adjustable Continence Therapy for Men is a minimally invasive surgical treatment option for men who have stress incontinence as a result of a radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate. The procedure to place the ProACT balloons is approximately 30 minutes in duration. Once the ProACT device is implanted, the device can be tailored to the patient’s individual needs during following office visits. After implant, urination will occur normally without manual manipulation at anytime.
What makes this therapy adjustable?
Adjustments to the balloons may begin four to six weeks after balloon placement. At an adjustment visit in the office, the urologist will place a small needle through the skin into the port to adjust the size of the balloons. Patients typically experience optimal results after 3-4 adjustment visits.
Advantages of the ProACT T M Therapy
- Easily adjustable to meet continence needs.
- Allows for natural urination without the need to activate or deactivate a pump.
- Placed in a minimally invasive procedure involving only two small incisions.
- Long-term treatment option for incontinence.
- Covered by Medicare.
Potential risks associated with this procedure can include: injury to the bladder or urethra during implantation procedure, movement of the devices from their intended location, damage to the tissue of the bladder or the urethra caused by the device, or infection.
How do I know the ProACT Therapy is right for me?
The ProACT Therapy may be right for you if you have failed conservative therapy for your stress incontinence, are more than 12 months after prostate surgery, and are seeking a minimally invasive surgical treatment option. The ProACT Therapy may be appropriate if you are seeking a long-term, customizable solution for your incontinence needs.
How many men have been implanted with ProACT?
This therapy had been commercially available outside the USA since 2002 and has been available within the USA since 2015. To date, over 10,000 men have been implanted with ProACT.
What should I expect after ProACT implantation?
After your ProACT surgery, your doctor will adjust your device in a brief office visit to better suit your needs. These adjustments are intended to improve your continence. You may see an improvement right away, although it could take multiple adjustments to reach maximum effectiveness.
Will my partner notice my ProACT implant?
The ProACT balloons are placed entirely in your body. The ports are placed underneath the skin of your scrotum to allow access for adjustments. The ports are approximately the size of a No. 2 pencil eraser; only you will know that they are there.
What clinical data is there for the ProACT therapy?
The ProACT Therapy received FDA approval in 2015 with proven efficacy and safety data. To date, there are over 40 publications about the effectiveness, safety, and long-term durability of the ProACT therapy.
What if ProACT does not work for me?
If you see no improvement with ProACT, the devices can be removed at any time. The balloons are deflated and removed in an office setting in a minimally invasive procedure. After the ProACT is removed, you can be re-implanted with ProACT or pursue other therapy options.
Is the ProACT Therapy covered by my health plan?
If your urologist determines that the ProACT therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you, the physician’s office staff can work with you and your health plan to determine your coverage. The ProACT therapy is covered by Medicare.
