Loyola Medicine helps prostate cancer survivor regain bladder control with implantable device

CONTACT:

Allison Peters 
allison.peters@luhs.org
708-216-5500

MAYWOOD, IL – After surviving his battle with prostate cancer, Joe Faulstich faced a new problem, urinary incontinence. After 14 years of suffering, he was referred to Loyola Medicine, where doctors implanted an artificial urinary sphincter, an advanced treatment that restored Faulstich’s bladder control and quality of life. 

Faulstich’s company organized a prostate cancer screening each summer, which he attended, even after his retirement. Following a screening in 2011, he learned his results were abnormal and was urged to see his primary care provider. Further evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of stage 3 prostate cancer.

Faulstich underwent a radical prostatectomy followed by radiation therapy, successfully treating his prostate cancer. Because of the prostate’s location, these treatments can affect the nerves and muscles that help control the ability to hold on to urine. As a result, urinary incontinence is a common side effect. For some patients, symptoms improve within a year. For others, bladder control challenges persist.

After a radical prostatectomy, patient finds relief from urinary incontinence at Loyola

Faulstich tried a range of treatments for urge incontinence, including Botox, medications and other procedures, but none provided relief. He relied on pads and briefs to manage daily life. Over time, his condition began to shape his routine. He recalls constantly scanning for nearby restrooms and making sure he always had supplies on hand. Eventually, his incontinence started to dictate his social life.

As the leakage increased, Faulstich estimated he spent more than $200 a month on supplies. “I found that any physical exertion and standing for long periods of time, I just couldn’t control it, and it kept getting worse and worse.”

As Faulstich grew more frustrated and desperate for a solution, a doctor suggested Loyola. He went to see Loyola’s Ahmad El-Arabi, MD, a fellowship-trained urologic surgeon specializing in genitourinary reconstruction with emphasis on cancer survivorship. Dr. El‑Arabi confirmed that Faulstich was a candidate for surgery. 

Dr. El‑Arabi explained that his experience in reconstruction helped him identify that the issue was actually stress incontinence, not urge incontinence. “Stress incontinence is the leakage of urine when you’re coughing, sneezing, laughing, being active, which is really debilitating to men, especially when they’re active to begin with,” said Dr. El‑Arabi.

Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) device restores quality of life for prostate cancer survivor

The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is a patient-controlled device that fits around the urethra like a clamp. It does not affect the bladder itself. Patients continue to urinate as they normally would, but the device provides additional time to reach the bathroom. Once there, they can release the valve to allow urine to flow, and after urination, the valve automatically closes again.

“The really beautiful thing is that this valve and the entire device is three pieces that are all underneath the skin, under the fat and muscle, and no one would ever know that you had this device that’s helping restore your quality of life,” said Dr. El‑Arabi. 

Faulstich has had his device, which he refers to as a “godsend,” for one year without an issue. “I’m very happy with it, and I’m very happy with the doctor. Dr. El‑Arabi has been really informative and very professional.”

Loyola patient encourages men to get yearly screenings for prostate cancer

Loyola Medicine has the only standalone men’s health clinic in the Chicagoland area. The multidisciplinary team at Loyola Medicine’s Men's Health Center, located in Burr Ridge, provides expert patient care for the entire spectrum of men’s healthcare needs. From help with urinary problems and sexual dysfunction to preventive cardiovascular care, our team of men’s health specialists works together to improve patients’ long-term health.

Faulstich would like to encourage others to get yearly screenings. “Do it for your loved ones and do it for yourself,” said Faulstich. “If I hadn’t, I don’t know if I would be sitting here today.”

Watch Faulstich’s story: Advanced Treatment for Urinary Incontinence - YouTube