Post-prostatectomy incontinence in men undergoing radical prostatectomy: outcome measures and pelvic floor muscle function

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men globally. Clinically localised intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer is commonly treated surgically by radical prostatectomy (RP), accounting for 23% of prostate cancer-related hospitalisations in Australia. RP is a complex surgical procedure involving removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Urinary incontinence is a common and predictable side effect. As surgical technique and knowledge has improved, a number of approaches have been used including open, laparoscopic-assisted and more recently, robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Despite improvements in surgical techniques, post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) continues to affect 6-52% of men one year following RP. PPI has significant consequences for both the patient, causing impaired quality of life, as well as the broader society, through an increased burden on healthcare resources and lost work productivity.