Post-prostatectomy incontinence: implications for home health clinicians

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in the United States, often requiring a prostatectomy. Incontinence is an almost inevitable consequence of this surgery, either temporary or ongoing. It is important that this quality-of-life issue be considered preoperatively and that patients considering surgery have information about the potential for incontinence. Teaching about noninvasive management of incontinence can begin before surgery and continue in the postoperative period. Home healthcare clinicians and Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) nurses can play a pivotal role in educating patients on the potential sequela of surgery and ways to prevent or treat these conservatively.