The male bulbourethral sling procedure for post-radical prostatectomy incontinence

We evaluate the efficacy of the male bulbourethral sling procedure in the treatment of post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence.

We reviewed the records of 64 consecutive men with severe post-prostatectomy incontinence who underwent the male bulbourethral sling procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Stanford University Hospital. Preoperatively 50% of the patients were completely incontinent (diapers, clamps or condom catheter), and the remainder required a mean of 4.7 pads per day. Data were collected by chart review, patient interviews at followup appointments and telephone interviews. Median followup was 18.1 months (mean 22.4, range 6.5 to 53.8).

Following a single sling procedure 36 patients (56%) became dry, and 5 (8%) were significantly improved. In 17 patients 23 retightening procedures were performed, which decreased the median followup to 16 months and increased the success rate to 75% (67% cured, 8% improved). The revision, erosion and infection rates were 27, 6 and 3%, respectively.

The male bulbourethral sling procedure is effective treatment for post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence. Patients who had received adjuvant radiation therapy demonstrated a lower continence rate than those who had not. Further followup is needed to assess long-term efficacy.