The rehabilitation of the perineal floor by biofeedback and functional electrostimulation in the treatment of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy. Preliminary results

Urinary incontinence following radical surgery of the prostate is not uncommon and may depend on the bladder, urethral sphincter or both. When this complication persists for more than 6 months after surgery treatment is necessary to eliminate the use of incontinence pads and improve the quality of life. The good results obtained from rehabilitation treatment with biofeedback and perineal electrostimulation in stress incontinence in females have prompted the use of this process after radical surgery of the prostate. The results of our experience and other literature have shown that pre- and post-surgery urodynamic tests help to determine which patients benefit most from rehabilitation treatment. In fact only patients with a minimum functional urethral length of 2.8 cm and urethral resistance between 10 and 20 cm H20 acc. to Valsalva Leak Point Pressure may achieve complete continence. Bladder factors are of primary importance (detrusorial hyperreflexia). They must be identified and treated with drugs, perineal electrostimulation or bladder biofeedback. Further information, however, is necessary before coming to definite conclusions.