Novel online comprehensive pelvic floor therapy program following prostatectomy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Digital Health
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) affects many men, with limited access to traditional pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT).
• Barriers to formal PFMT include therapist availability and logistical challenges.
• An online PFMT and pelvic floor education (oPFMT/PFE) program was developed to overcome these access issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, patient satisfaction, and continence outcomes of a novel online PFMT/PFE program.
• To assess the effectiveness of oPFMT/PFE in improving urinary incontinence and quality of life after prostatectomy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective interim analysis of 21 men undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) who participated in a 12-month oPFMT/PFE program.
• Outcomes measured included International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-MLUTS) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) scores at 3 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months post-RALP.
• Analysis focused on stress urinary incontinence (SUI) domain scores and SUI cure rates at the 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• At 6 months, significant improvement in SUI domain scores was observed compared to 3 weeks post-surgery (P=0.011).
• Patient-reported improvement averaged 7.42/10, with 89% satisfaction and 100% ease of use.
• IIQ-7 scores significantly improved from 3 weeks post-surgery, indicating enhanced quality of life.

Conclusions:

• The novel online PFMT/PFE program demonstrates significant improvements in validated urinary incontinence and quality of life measures.
• oPFMT/PFE provides a valuable, accessible, and satisfactory treatment option for men with post-prostatectomy incontinence.