Pelvic floor rehabilitation for continence recovery after radical prostatectomy: role of a personal training re-educational program

Abstract

Purpose: radical prostatectomy (RP) is affected by urinary incontinence (UI) that, even if temporary, can severely impact patients quality of life. We investigated if a post surgery tutored and personal trained pelvic floor re-educational program improves continence recovery more than pelvic floor exercises performed by patients on their own.

Patients and methods: 332 incontinent (>1 pad/daily) patients (pts) submitted to RP between 2006 and 2008 were prospectively randomized in group A (166 pts) and group B (166 pts). The first group performed an intensive tutored pelvic training program and the second formed the control group. The follow-up was at one year and the self report of recovery of continence was measured every 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results: the median time of continence recovery in group A was 44+/-2 days, while in group B it was 76+/-4 days. Patients enrolled in the pelvic floor re-educational dedicated program (group A) achieved continence earlier than the control group (group B). In fact, the number of incontinent patients at the different follow-up intervals was higher for the control group than for the treatment group.

Conclusion: We have demonstrated that a post RP personal training program of pelvic muscle re-education supported by a physician and nurses expert in continence disorders have a benefit in future continence.