Introduction of a modified surgical approach for ProACT balloon placement: a retrospective cohort study

Authors

  • Jakob Klint Axelsen Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Lars Boesen Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2414-962X
  • Rasmus Bisbjerg Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6468-389X
  • Nis Nørgaard Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3915-5248
  • Helene Reif Andersen Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Mikkel Fode Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8963-4581

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/sju.v61.45579

Keywords:

Urinary incontinence, prostatectomy, minimally invasive surgical procedures, ProACT, prostheses and implants

Abstract

Objective: To compare adjustable continence balloons (ProACT) implanted above the pelvic floor with or without subsequent placement of a third balloon (AP) with a modified technique placing balloons below the pelvic floor (BP).

Materials and methods: We retrospectively compared 38 men who underwent the BP procedure and 38 men who received the AP technique. Primary outcome was continence (≤1 pad/day or <8 ml/24 h leakage). Secondary outcomes included operative time, complications, number of balloon filling visits, and satisfaction.

Results: Median age was 75.5 years (BP) and 70.5 years (AP) (p < 0.0001). Groups were comparable in preoperative incontinence severity. Median surgical time was 15 min (BP) versus 20 min (AP) (p = 0.034). Early retention occurred in 18.4% (BP) versus 0% (AP) (p = 0.012). A third balloon was inserted in 39.4% of AP patients, and median number of fillings (6 vs. 10, p = 0.0006) was lower in BP group. Late complications consisting of migration, erosion, and balloon puncture were similar (23.7% BP vs. 36.8% AP, p = 0.32). Continence was achieved in 52.6% (BP) and 57.9% (AP) (p = 0.64), and satisfaction was reported by 71.1% (BP) and 57.9% (AP) (p = 0.34). On multivariate analyses, surgical method did not predict outcomes, and Cox regression shoved that BP was associated with a non-significant hazard of revision (HR: 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53–4.85; p = 0.40).

Conclusions: ProACT placement below the pelvic floor yielded similar continence but reduced operative time and postoperative visits, at the cost of more early retention.

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References

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Published

2026-03-09

How to Cite

Axelsen, J. K., Boesen, L., Bisbjerg, R., Nørgaard, N., Andersen, H. R., & Fode, M. (2026). Introduction of a modified surgical approach for ProACT balloon placement: a retrospective cohort study. Scandinavian Journal of Urology, 61(1), 38–43. https://doi.org/10.2340/sju.v61.45579

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