Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence: a confluence of 3 factors.

PURPOSE

Urinary incontinence has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients who undergo radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. We reviewed available published data to analyze the etiology and prevention of this surgical complication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A MEDLINE search of the literature on this topic was performed.

RESULTS

There was a wide disparity in the reported rates of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy due to various reasons including definitions, patient selection and intraoperative technical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative urinary incontinence has a major impact on patient satisfaction after radical prostatectomy. Attention to factors including patient selection, nuances of the surgical technique, and a more uniform, widespread agreement on the definition and instruments to measure postoperative incontinence is needed to enhance surgical outcomes. In addition, further research is needed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery.