The AUS (AS 800, American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN) is an externally controlled urethral occlusion device. The transfer of fluid within the device is controlled by a pressure regulating balloon placed extraperitoneally in the patient's pelvis or abdominal cavity and a control pump placed in a subcutaneous pocket in the scrotum or labium. Squeezing of the pump allows the fluid within the closed-loop system to be transferred from the cuff to the balloon. It takes a few minutes before the cuff re-inflates automatically to the preset level, thus allowing the urethra to remain opened for voiding. The AS 800 has the option of primary deactivation. Primary deactivation is performed to limit the cuff compression during the early post-operative healing period, thus minimizing the risk of cuff erosion and infection. In the male, the preferred site of cuff placement is around the bladder neck because erosion is less likely. When implantation of the device at the bladder neck is precluded by previous surgery, the cuff is placed around the bulbous urethra. In the female, the AUS cuff is placed around the bladder neck. The device is implanted abdominally or vaginally.