Pelvic Floor Exercises, Electrical Stimulation and Biofeedback After Radical Prostatectomy: Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial

Abstract

We assessed the effect of pelvic muscle exercises (PMEs), electrical stimulation (ES) and biofeedback (BFB) on urinary incontinence after radical retropubic prostatectomy. We randomized 139 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy into 3 groups. Group 1 received instructions about postoperative PMEs. Group 2 received the same instructions and ES for 15 minutes twice daily. Patients in group 3 were also treated with BFB for 15 minutes twice daily. Treatment was started immediately after catheter removal and performed for 3 months. The outcome was assessed using the 20-minute pad test and a urine symptom inventory. Results at baseline, and 3 and 12 months postoperatively were available for 139, 120 and 128 (questionnaire), and 116, 79 and 124 (pad test) patients, respectively. An overall subjective spontaneous continence rate (questionnaire) 1 day after catheter removal of 21.4% increased within the first 3 months up to 59.2%. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups. The continence rate increased from 3 to 12 months postoperatively from 59.2% to 85.9%. An overall objective spontaneous continence rate (pad test) 1 day after catheter removal of 32.9% increased within the first 3 months up to 65% and up to 83% after 12 months without any significant difference in all 3 groups. A treatment program of ES and BFB enhanced PMEs did not affect continence after radical prostatectomy after 3 or 12 months. Up to 711 euro can be saved per patient.