Quality of life of incontinent men after radical prostatectomy.

The impact of urinary incontinence on the quality of life among 50 men (average age 67 years) after radical prostatectomy was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. The majority were not restricted by incontinence, whereas 26% of the men reported limitations in the usual physical activity and more than half reported moderate to severe emotional distress. Of 33 patients evaluated less than 5 years postoperatively 26 (79%) would choose surgery again despite incontinence, whereas 9 of 17 (53%) evaluated after 5 years were unsure or would not. Objective quality of life information may help to improve nonoperative intervention strategies for the incontinent patient.