Researchers develop new penile clamp for prostate cancer patients

Southampton researchers are testing and developing a new penile clamp to help men better manage urinary problems following treatment for prostate cancer.

The idea to design and develop a new clamp emerged after previous studies showed that products currently available are not suitable for many men and can cause pain and circulation problems.

 Now, it’s hoped that working with prostate cancer survivors to develop a new penile clamp, designed with them to better meet their needs, will give men a wider choice of managing urinary problems and improve their quality of life following prostate cancer treatment.

Treating prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 47,000 men diagnosed every year – or 129 every day. In most cases, the cancer develops slowly and men can live for years without signs or symptoms or needing treatment.

There are different treatments for prostate cancer and, when treatment is necessary, the type will depend on an individual’s circumstances, such as how big the cancer is and whether it’s spread anywhere else.

 Surgery to remove the prostate gland – known as radical prostatectomy – is one of the most effective ways to cure the disease.

Problems after surgery

Unfortunately a common side effect of radical prostatectomy is leaking urine as surgery can damage the muscles and nerves that control the bladder. Although this usually improves within a year of having surgery, around 15% of patients suffer with long-term incontinence.

To help manage this, many men choose to wear absorbent pads but, when this isn’t possible, an alternative is to use a penile clamp which works by stopping the flow of urine so it cannot leak out.

However, clamps can be uncomfortable to wear and should only be worn for short periods of time as they reduce blood flow to the penis which can cause inflammation, pain and discomfort.

Improving the design

Researchers in Southampton have teamed up with engineers and a group of men living with incontinence to develop a new clamp that aims to eliminate pain and circulation problems.

“The new model has been designed using information gathered in the laboratory and from patients to overcome the problem of existing clamps,” explained Professor Mandy Fader, a continence technology specialist in Southampton.

“So far, we’re pleased with how the clamp works in comparison to previous designs and the focus is now on the impact on penile circulation and pressure, and how comfortable and safe the material is to use on sensitive areas.”

Staying healthy for recovery

It is important for patients to stay fit and active following cancer treatment to improve their recovery and health – but this can be made difficult when living with urinary problems.

“We’re now working with six prostate cancer survivors to test the new design and hope that this ergonomic version will allow men to wear a penile clamp for longer periods of time,” explained Margaret Macaulay, a senior research nurse working on the study.

“We also hope that activities such as swimming – that were previously considered off limits – will now be possible; anything we can do to help them be more comfortable, more active and improve their quality of life is a great achievement in our eyes.”