An easy prediction of urinary incontinence duration after retropubic radical prostatectomy based on urine loss the first day after catheter withdrawal.

PURPOSE

We sought to predict the duration of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy based on potential risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 104 patients after radical retropubic prostatectomy at University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven. To evaluate incontinence a 24-hour pad test, a 1-hour pad test, a visual analog scale and a questionnaire were used. Patients were considered continent when they stopped wearing incontinence pads, when 24 and 1-hour pad tests showed less than 2 gm urine loss, and when patients considered themselves continent. On univariate and multivariate analyses we examined the influence of different risk factors on the duration of incontinence.

RESULTS

The amount of urine loss the first day after catheter withdrawal was the only predictor of the duration of urinary incontinence on univariate and multivariate analyses. Patient age was significant but only on univariate analysis. The duration of incontinence after prostatectomy was estimated. The average time needed to regain continence was 8, 16, 29, 29 and 70 days in men who lost 2 to 50, 51 to 100, 101 to 200, 201 to 500 and more than 500 gm urine, respectively, on day 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The amount of urine loss on day 1 after catheter withdrawal is the most important predictive factor in terms of regaining urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. An estimation table can provide realistic information to the patient regarding the duration of urinary incontinence.