Adjustable Transobturator Male System^® (ATOMS) as a novel treatment for men with stress urinary incontinence in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the first experience in the United Kingdom of using the Adjustable Transobturator Male System® (ATOMS) in treating men with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Between 2015 and 2021, 71 men (average age: 70.3, range: 50–81 years) were recruited and followed up. Of these, 67 (94%) had SUI secondary to a radical prostatectomy and 16 (23%) had previous radiotherapy post-prostatectomy. Seventy men underwent an insertion of ATOMS® under general anaesthetic. In one patient, due to his underlying morbid obesity, it was not possible to insert ATOMS and thus he was excluded from the study. Follow-up was up to 6 years (mean: 4 years, range: 2–6 years). Results: Out of 70 men, 53 (76%) were dry after ATOMS insertion (defined as using a maximum of one pad per day for reassurance only). Dryness was achieved within 6 months for 34/53 patients (range: 1–24 months). The average pad use was 3.4 pre-operatively and 0.7 post-operatively. Of the men who did not achieve dryness, 7/17 (41%) had previously undergone radiotherapy. There were 11 (16%) complications: two cases of infected device requiring removal, one case of balloon mechanism erosion requiring re-implantation, one case of balloon mechanism require repositioning, four cases of persistent perineal or scrotal pain, two cases of urinary retention and one case of a superficial wound infection treated medically. Overall, five devices were removed. Conclusions: The ATOMS appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for men with SUI. Previous radiotherapy decreased the efficacy of ATOMS. Further studies on ATOMS with larger numbers of patients and longer follow-ups are required. In particular, establishing randomised control trials to confirm these positive outcomes as well as ascertain its long-term safety profile. Level of evidence: 4