Incontinence after radical prostatectomy: pathophysiology and management

Despite improvements in surgical technique designed to preserve the functional integrity of the urethral sphincteric mechanism, incontinence after radical prostatectomy still occurs in many patients. Most patients have stress incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency, but many also have bladder dysfunction. The treatment of choice for post- prostatectomy stress incontinence is the artificial urinary sphincter. Other treatment options include collagen injection therapy and the male bulbourethral sling.