Management of urinary incontinence following treatment of prostate disease

INTRODUCTION Men who undergo treatment for prostate disease are at increased risk of urinary incontinence (UI). UI has a known negative impact on patient quality of life. Once a thorough evaluation has been performed, there are effective modalities for treatment that can be tailored to the patient.

This review article provides the most recent evidence-based work up and management for men with incontinence after prostate treatment (IPT). Etiology, prophylactic measures, work up, surgical treatments, and patient considerations will be covered. The more recent adjustable balloon device is included in this publication as well as more traditional treatments like the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) and male urethral sling.

IPT can result from treatment of either benign or malignant prostate disease whether surgery or radiotherapy are utilized. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) are all possibilities. SUI after radical prostatectomy (RP) is the most common form of IPT. Patient education and implementation of pelvic therapy as well as modern surgical techniques have greatly improved continence results. AUS remains the gold standard of SUI treatment with the broadest category of patient eligibility. Patients experiencing UUI should be treated according to the overactive bladder guidelines.

For men with IPT, it is crucial to first take a thorough patient history and delineate the exact nature of UI symptoms which will determine the options for management. Patient factors and preferences must also be taken into consideration when ultimately choosing the appropriate intervention.