Fact Sheets / Post-Prostate Surgery Urinary Incontinence
Post-Prostate Surgery Urinary Incontinence
Urinary leakage following radical prostatectomy and other procedures due to prostate cancer and/or an enlarged prostate
Causes
The prostate helps to maintain continence by creating closure of the urethra. Once this is removed, the urethra loses some of its closure mechanism, resulting in leakage of urine.
During surgery, nerves may be damaged through the process of removing all of the cancer. Nerve damage results in weaker pelvic floor muscles which are also involved in maintaining continence.
Signs & Symptoms
Leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing, standing from a chair, walking
Passive loss of urine (not feeling the leakage but noticing damp underwear)
Differential Diagnosis
Urinary Tract Infection
PROmotion Assessment and Outcomes Measures
Individualised and functional pelvic floor muscle exercises
Advice about fluids and diet
General exercise and strength training
Weight loss if indicated
How to Manage
Individualised and functional pelvic floor muscle exercises
Advice about fluids and diet
General exercise and strength training
Weight loss if indicated
References
Sighinolfi, M. C., Rivalta, M., Mofferdin, A., Micali, S., De Stefani, S., & Bianchi, G. (2009). Potential Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Treatment for Postradical Prostatectomy Incontinence, Climacturia, and Erectile Dysfunction: A Case Series. J Sex Med, 6(12), 3496-3499. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01493.x
