Pelvic floor muscle training for the management of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy

Author(s): C. Davie, T. Cook & P. Rochester - Pages: 4–23

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) after a radical prostatectomy (RP) is a common but devastating condition that can have a significant negative impact on quality of  ife (QoL). This article reviews the current literature on pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for the management of UI following a RP. A comprehensive literature search was carried out that identified 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and seven systematic reviews. It is difficult to draw definitive conclusions from the RCTs because of their heterogenous methodology, particularly the diverse regimes of pelvic floor exercises that were prescribed. At present, there appears to be weak to moderate evidence for the use of PFMT for UI after RP. Spontaneous recovery from symptoms undoubtedly occurs in the first year after surgery, irrespective of management; however, the current evidence demonstrates that recovery time can be shortened with specific interventions. It is essential that further good-quality RCTs are carried out, specifically trials including QoL outcome measures.

Keywords: pelvic floor muscle training, radical prostatectomy, urinary incontinence.