Long Island Surgeon Earns First-Of-Its-Kind Recognition

BAY SHORE, NY — A South Shore University Hospital surgeon has become the first physician in downstate New York to receive a Boston Scientific Center of Excellence designation for artificial urinary sphincter implantation, according to Northwell Health.

Dr. Roger Khouri was recognized for his work treating male urinary incontinence, a condition that can affect men following prostate surgery, including radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

The recognition comes during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September.

Boston Scientific awards the designation to physicians who perform at least 20 artificial urinary sphincter procedures within a 12-month period, according to Northwell.

An artificial urinary sphincter, or AUS, is an inflatable device designed to help control urinary leakage. The AMS 800 device, manufactured by Boston Scientific, has been used for decades to treat moderate to severe male stress urinary incontinence.

For some prostate cancer survivors, urinary leakage can continue after surgery and affect daily activities and quality of life.

"This is a treatment that can truly give patients their lives back," Khouri said. "Many of these men have already endured prostate cancer and major surgery. When incontinence persists afterward, it can be devastating. The artificial urinary sphincter offers a proven, effective solution that can restore confidence, dignity, and independence."

Implantation is a specialized procedure involving placement of the device around the urethra. The surgery typically takes about 90 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, Northwell said.

The device is generally activated during an office visit about six weeks after surgery. Northwell said many patients experience significant improvement following activation and can be about 90 percent drier.

The recognition also highlights treatment options available to prostate cancer survivors who continue to experience incontinence after completing cancer treatment.

Hospital officials said they hope the recognition will increase awareness among men who experience urinary leakage following prostate surgery and may not know that additional treatment options are available.

"Dr. Khouri's recognition as a Center of Excellence reflects both his exceptional clinical skill and South Shore University Hospital's commitment to delivering advanced, compassionate care close to home," said Irene Macyk, PhD, RN, president of South Shore University Hospital. "For prostate cancer survivors living with urinary incontinence, this expertise offers renewed hope and a meaningful path back to quality of life."