Adjustable Transobturator Male Sling (ATOMS)

ABOUT ADJUSTABLE TRANSOBTURATOR MALE SLING

What is an adjustable transobturator male sling?

The adjustable sling is an implantable device. It can be adjusted by a doctor without further surgery and does not require manual operation by the patient.

Why is an ATOMS required?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine from the bladder. An adjustable sling supports the urethra and is designed to prevent the loss of urine.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease cause by abnormal growth of cells in the prostate. These cells have the potential to grow within the prostate and spread to other parts of the body.
PATIENT JOURNEY

What does insertion of an ATOMS involve?

The ATOMS procedure is minimally invasive and is usually performed under general anaesthetic (completely asleep) or spinal anaesthetic (numb from the waist down).

 

The implant is inserted through a small incision made under the scrotum.

 

The central cushion is positioned directly under the urethra. The mesh arms are drawn under the skin and positioned around a bony structure to hold it in place. An access port is then positioned into the scrotum.

What does insertion of an ATOMS involve?

This port is used to make future adjustments to the sling to suit the individual’s requirements.

 

Fluid is injected into the port that then fills the cushion to adjust the support of the urethra.

 

The skin is closed with dissolvable sutures and the incision is covered with surgical glue.

 

The sutures are internal and take a few weeks to dissolve.

What is the recovery after insertion of an ATOMS?

Insertion of an ATOMS is usually an overnight stay in hospital.

  • You need to be very careful in the first 6 weeks following surgery to avoid slippage of the sling.
  • No lifting greater than 4-5 kg.
  • Avoid stepping up into vehicles.
  • Abstain from sexual activity.
  • No bending, squatting, climbing, extreme leg spreads, biking or jogging. Sit down to tie shoelaces.

 

You can return to sedentary work approximately 14 days after the operation. If your job involves physical work, please discuss with your doctor.

 

You can start gentle exercise, such as walking 7 days after the operation.

 

You can recommence driving after 2 weeks, but please avoid stepping up into high vehicles.

OUR TEAM

The following doctors in our practice perform ATOMS:

Dr Gregory Malone

Dr Gregory Malone

Urologist

Book an appointment

Book an appointment to discuss this procedure with one of our doctors.