Male urinary incontinence after prostate disease treatment

Incontinence after prostate treatment (IPT) is an important and common problem for men and can lead to decreased quality of life. The proper evaluation and management of IPT requires both knowledge of the mechanisms for its development and of multiple evolving therapy types.

An update is provided on the evaluation and management for IPT. The underlying pathophysiology of the contributing conditions is explored along with the appropriate assessment prior to therapy. Surgical techniques including the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) and male urethral sling are detailed specifically and compared.

IPT can result from radical prostatectomy (RP), prostate radiation, and surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. All of these may increase the risk for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), or mixed incontinence. SUI after RP remains the largest component of IPT. Perioperative pelvic floor muscle therapy and advances in surgical technique have helped to prevent and treat post-RP SUI. The AUS and male urethral sling are both excellent surgical options for SUI with the AUS being currently indicated for a broader set of patients. Predominant UUI should be treated in a stepwise manner based upon guidelines for overactive bladder.

Evaluation of men with IPT should include determining components of SUI and UUI as these will direct medical and surgical therapy. While advances in surgical technique and technology have reduced prevalence of SUI after RP, many men still require treatment. Surgical treatments with AUS and male urethral sling provide excellent outcomes in well selected patients.