About post-prostatectomy incontinence
This is an article about incontinence experienced by men after surgery for prostate cancer (usually an open, laparoscopic or robotic radical prostatectomy). For incontinence in women or men with other medical conditions, please see our other articles.
Impact
Post-prostatectomy incontinence is usually not dangerous – but it has a huge impact on quality of life for men. Cost.
Causes
Most leakage after surgery is due to stress urinary incontinence. This is when the external urinary sphincter muscle is not strong enough to hold back pressure generated on the bladder from outside. Leakage occurs with coughing, lifting, straining, bending forward, it is .
The sphincter muscle is a muscle that is usually squeezing all the time.
Risks
Patient factors
Age
Pre-existing bladder problems
Sphincteric length
Surgical factors
Nerve-sparing
Treatment factors
Radiotherapy
Natural history
Investigations for post-prostatectomy incontinence
Urine tests > exclude infection
Ultrasound KUB > simple test
Pad weights >
PSA > ensure that the cancer is well controlled
Flexible cystoscopy > ensures anatomy is intact
Urodynamic study > pressure test
Treatments for post-prostatectomy incontinence
There are a number of treatments available for stress urinary incontinence. In the first 12 months, because there can be natural improvement
Non-surgical treatments
Continence wear (pads, continence underwear)
Pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises
Penile clamps
Surgical treatments
Other consideration