Role of urethral reconstruction and artificial sphincter in complicated salvage radical prostatectomy

Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy following failed definitive radiation therapy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate run a substantial risk of refractory bladder neck contractures and urinary incontinence developing. A combined reconstructive technique utilizing a urethral pull-through procedure and implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter to treat these complications is described. When a patient can truly be cured by radical prostatectomy, this relatively straightforward reconstruction can salvage what otherwise would be considered a surgical failure.