Comprehensive urodynamics evaluation of 146 men with incontinence after radical prostatectomy

To assess the filling, storage, and voiding urodynamic parameters in a large group of men with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

We reviewed the videourodynamics testing results for 146 consecutive men referred for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

The mean patient age was 69.0 years (range 48 to 85), and the mean interval since radical prostatectomy was 4 years (range 4 months to 19 years). All but four tests were performed more than 12 months postoperatively. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was demonstrated in 139 men (95%), with a mean abdominal leak point pressure of 59 cm H2O. A statistically significant correlation was found between the leak point pressure and static urethral pressure profilometry measurements (r = 0.46, P < 0.0001). The mean urethral pressure profilometry measurements in those with SUI were significantly lower than in those without (46.6 versus 69 cm H2O, P = 0.001). A total of 34 patients had diminished compliance or detrusor instability, but this was the sole finding in only 3. A hypocontractile detrusor response was seen in 49 patients, and 35 of these augmented voiding by abdominal straining. Patients with previous radiotherapy (n = 24) were more likely to have bladder outlet obstruction; the other parameters were similar to those in patients without radiotherapy.

Incontinence after radical prostatectomy is caused by intrinsic sphincter deficiency in the vast majority of patients. Urethral pressure profilometry measurements correlated with the severity of SUI, as measured by abdominal leak point pressure. Bladder outlet obstruction may coexist with SUI in a significant portion of patients. During voiding, a hypocontractile detrusor response may be seen, but the clinical significance of this finding is unclear.