Evaluation of early pelvic floor physiotherapy on the duration and degree of urinary incontinence after radical retropubic prostatectomy in a non-teaching hospital

World J Urol. 2005 Nov;23(5):353-5. doi: 10.1007/s00345-005-0003-9. Epub 2005 Oct 7.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to study the effect of early pelvic floor re-education on the degree and duration of incontinence and to evaluate the results of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) performed in a non-teaching hospital. This is a non-randomised study. From March 2000 to November 2003, 57 consecutive men, who underwent RRP for localized prostate cancer, participated in a pelvic floor re-educating program. Continence was defined as a loss of no more than 2-g urine on the 24-h pad test and no use of pads. The 24-h pad test was performed once in every 4 weeks until the patient indicated that he was continent. Diurnal and nocturnal continence was achieved after 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months post catheter removal in 40, 49, 70, 86 and 88% of all men, respectively. Comparison of our results with current literature suggest that the time period towards continence after a RRP can be shortened relevantly if pelvic floor re-education is started directly after catheter removal.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pelvic Floor*
  • Prostatectomy / adverse effects*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Time Factors
  • Urinary Incontinence / etiology*
  • Urinary Incontinence / therapy*