Predictors of Early Continence Recovery Following Radical Prostatectomy, Including Transperineal Ultrasound to Evaluate the Membranous Urethra Length (CHECK-MUL Study).

INTRODUCTION

To predict early continence recovery following radical prostatectomy (RP) using baseline demographic and clinical data, as well as dynamic transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) parameters of membranous urethral length (MUL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective CHECK-MUL (check of membranous urethral length) study was conducted. We evaluated 154 patients who underwent RP between August 2018 and April 2023. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative dynamic TPUS to measure MUL. Urinary continence was defined as the use of one safety pad or less 3 months post surgery. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was used to assess urinary incontinence (UI). We used logistic regression to assess the association between MUL and early continence recovery. A multivariable logistic regression model was then constructed for the prediction of early continence recovery based on the MUL.

RESULTS

The median MUL observed pre- and postoperatively in this study were similar (14.6 mm and 12.9 mm). In the univariable logistic regression analysis, the pre- and postoperative MUL measured by TPUS (odds ratio (OR): 1.12; 95%-CI: 1.02-1.79; = 0.05 and OR: 1.01; 95%-CI: 1.02-1.12; < 0.01) directions were independent predictors of early continence recovery 3 months post surgery. In addition, age (OR: 1.23; 95%-CI: 1.11-1.42; = 0.03), BMI (OR: 1.44; 95%-CI: 1.18-2.92; = 0.05), and bilateral nerve sparing (OR: 1.24; 95%-CI: 1.02-1.9; = 0.05) were independent predictors of urinary continence in univariable logistic regression models. Preoperative MUL >15 mm (95% CI 1.28-1.33; = 0.03) and postoperative MUL >14 mm (95% CI 1.2-1.16; = 0.05) were significantly associated with early continence recovery at 3 months post surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The likelihood of continence recovery increases with membranous urethral length and decreases with age, BMI, and lack of nerve sparing. Preoperative MUL >15 mm and postoperative MUL >14 mm were significantly associated with early continence recovery at 3 months post surgery.