[Limited efficacy of permanent injectable agents in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy]

Abstract

Objectives: There is not enough evidence about efficacy in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after radical prostatectomy (RP). The objective of this paper is to describe our experience with the injection of pyrolytic carbon microspheres (Durasphere) in the treatment of SUI after RP METHODS: Between January and October 2003 8 patients with the diagnosis of SUI after RP underwent treatment. Analyzed variables included age, time from RP to treatment, number of incontinence pads per day, operative report, subjective and objective response to treatment, and clinical-surgical outcomes.

Results: Mean age was 63.2 years (50-71). Median time from radical prostatectomy to injection was 25 months (14-134). No patient suffered urinary incontinence before radical prostatectomy. Median number of incontinence pads required before treatment with Durasphere injection was 2 per day (1-6). Mean Durasphere volume injected was 23.8 ml (15-30 ml). No patient achieved subjective or objective cure after treatment. After a median follow-up of 5 months (9.9-12.5) 5 patients (62.5%) chose to undergo a second more invasive treatment to solve their incontinence.

Conclusions: The use of Durasphere as a permanent injectable agent did not result effective in the treatment of mild to moderate SUI after RP in our patients.