The nature and impact of incontinence in men who have undergone prostate surgery and implications for nursing practice

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to increase knowledge and understanding of the nature and experiences of incontinence in men one or more years post prostate surgery.Methods: This descriptive study used a sample of convenience. Two hundred and twelve male participants who had undergone prostate surgery more than a year ago were asked about their experiences of incontinence. Participants were asked to fill in two questionnaires: The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire. Participants were also asked about their prostate surgery, their health seeking behaviour in relation to incontinence, the type of discharge information they were given, and demographic information.Results: Sixty-six percent of participants indicated that, in the last four weeks, their overall urinary function had been a problem and 36.3% reported their bowel habits were problematic, which affected the quality of their lives. In addition, 41% of participants reported that they were not given discharge information regarding the possibility of developing urinary incontinence and sexual problems post prostate surgery.Conclusions: Health care professionals should pay more attention to routinely providing information to all men regarding the possibility of developing incontinence or sexual problems post prostate surgery. This may assist them to better manage these problems.