Our Summary

This study investigated the impact of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) on urinary incontinence in men who have had a prostatectomy (prostate removal surgery). The researchers examined different articles from various databases published up to December 2023. They found that men who did these exercises had better results 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery compared to those who did not. However, there was no significant improvement in urinary incontinence 12 months after surgery. This suggests that while PFMEs can help improve urinary incontinence in the short term, they may not have a long-term impact. For those with ongoing urinary incontinence, further analysis may be necessary.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) in men who have had a prostatectomy?
  2. What were the findings of the study on the impact of PFMEs on urinary incontinence post-prostatectomy?
  3. Do PFMEs have a long-term impact on urinary incontinence after a prostatectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might give a patient about prostatectomy is to regularly perform pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) to help improve urinary incontinence after surgery. These exercises can strengthen the muscles that control the flow of urine and support the pelvic organs, potentially reducing leakage and improving bladder control. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist to learn how to properly perform these exercises and incorporate them into your daily routine for the best results.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone a prostatectomy are typically recommended pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) to help improve urinary incontinence. These exercises can be particularly beneficial for men who are experiencing urinary incontinence following surgery. It is important to note that the effectiveness of PFMEs may vary from person to person, and further evaluation may be needed for those who continue to experience urinary incontinence despite these exercises.

Timeline

Before prostatectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer
  • Patient discusses treatment options with healthcare provider
  • Patient decides to undergo prostatectomy
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation

After prostatectomy:

  • Immediately post-surgery: Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and side effects from anesthesia
  • 1 week post-surgery: Patient may still have pain and discomfort, and will likely have a catheter in place
  • 1 month post-surgery: Catheter is removed, and patient may begin to experience urinary incontinence
  • 3 months post-surgery: Patient may still have urinary incontinence, and may begin pelvic floor muscle exercises
  • 6 months post-surgery: Patient continues to do pelvic floor muscle exercises, and may see improvement in urinary incontinence
  • 12 months post-surgery: Patient may still have urinary incontinence, and may require further treatment or analysis

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after prostatectomy involves a series of steps including diagnosis, surgery, recovery, and potential ongoing management of side effects such as urinary incontinence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How soon after my prostatectomy surgery can I start pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs)?
  2. What specific exercises should I do, and how often should I do them?
  3. Can PFMEs completely eliminate urinary incontinence after prostatectomy, or will I still experience some level of incontinence?
  4. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with doing PFMEs after prostatectomy?
  5. How long should I continue doing PFMEs after my surgery?
  6. If I am not seeing improvement in urinary incontinence with PFMEs, what other treatment options are available?
  7. Can you refer me to a physical therapist or specialist who can guide me through pelvic floor muscle exercises?
  8. How will I know if the PFMEs are working, and what should I expect in terms of improvements in urinary incontinence?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications I should make in addition to doing PFMEs to help manage urinary incontinence after prostatectomy?
  10. What follow-up appointments or monitoring will be needed to track the effectiveness of PFMEs in improving urinary incontinence?

Reference

Authors: Zeng Y, Wang J. Journal: Arch Esp Urol. 2024 Jul;77(6):658-665. doi: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20247706.90. PMID: 39104234