Posterior urethral injuries and the Mitrofanoff principle in children

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of children with trauma causing posterior urethral injury who at some stage underwent a Mitrofanoff intervention, as post-traumatic urethral injuries can demand long-term treatment which (regardless of the surgical intervention) requires a period of dilatation of the reconstructed urethra. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1992 to 2001, 14 patients with urethral injuries underwent a Mitrofanoff procedure. Thirteen had been run over by a motor vehicle and had severe hip injuries, and one had a direct non-penetrating perineal impact lesion (13 boys and one girl, aged 2-13 years at the time of the accident). In all cases the Mitrofanoff procedure involved interposing the appendix between the bladder and the umbilicus. Only one of the children (because of extremely high bladder filling pressures) also underwent an augmentation cystoplasty and closure of the bladder neck because there were bony fragments in the urethra. RESULTS: The Mitrofanoff technique was considered useful in most cases. All patients during a given period used the Mitrofanoff conduit to empty their bladder every 3 h; 10 of the 14 are currently voiding urethrally, with an adequate flow, and four are not, but emptying the bladder periodically via the appendicovesicostomy. The only girl in the group has a major hip deformity and is unlikely to undergo urethroplasty; two patients are expecting definitive treatment and the other, although having a patent urethra, has no urinary flow. He is currently 19 years old and has no erections. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of posterior urethral injuries represents a challenge to surgical teams. Although primary suturing of the separated urethral ends is accepted as the best treatment, the construction of a temporary continent urinary diversion may be considered in the most severe cases.     

The dispute about the external sphincter and the urogenital diaphragm

PURPOSE: We present a modification of bladder neck reconstruction which resulted in improved continence and voiding compared to other techniques of bladder neck repairs in patients with exstrophy and complete incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The series consisted of 10 patients with the exstrophy-epispadias complex and complete incontinence who previously had undergone multiple operations for bladder closure, bladder neck reconstruction and epispadias repair. This modification combines bladder neck lengthening and narrowing of the distal half of the urethra, and submucosal embedding of the proximal half of the neourethra in the trigonal area. All patients also underwent bladder augmentation with detubularized sigmoid colon concurrent with bladder neck reconstruction. Additionally the appendical Mitrofanoff principle was applied to 5 cases. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients who underwent bladder neck reconstruction with sigmoid cystoplasty 8 are voiding voluntarily without catheterization and are dry for longer than 4 hours day and night. Only 2 patients are partially dry with stress nocturia incontinence and in both we performed a Mitrofanoff procedure as an adjunct to catheterization and to ensure voiding and continence. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified bladder neck reconstruction provides better overall voiding and continence rates than the other bladder neck/urethral reconstruction procedures in patients with exstrophy and complete incontinence.     

Long-term followup of patients after redo bladder neck reconstruction for bladder exstrophy complex

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether redo bladder neck reconstruction is effective in achieving continence after a failed bladder neck reconstruction procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of patients with bladder exstrophy who had undergone redo bladder neck reconstruction. There were 30 patients in the study, including 20 boys and 10 girls. Mean patient age at redo bladder neck reconstruction was 9.3 years (range 3.2 to 15.5). The patients were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the preoperative pattern of incontinence--incomplete wetters, complete wetters and those on continuous suprapubic drainage. Of the patients 15 already had undergone bladder augmentation, 12 had undergone a Mitrofanoff procedure and 12 had been treated with bulking agents injected in the bladder neck in an attempt to achieve continence. Four patients had undergone more than 1 bladder neck procedure. The patients were investigated with a combination of noninvasive urodynamics, cystoscopy, cystogram and ultrasound. All patients underwent Mitchell's modification of Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction. Additional procedures performed included augmentation cystoplasty and Mitrofanoff formation. RESULTS: Mean followup was 6.9 years (range 1.2 to 15.5). Postoperatively 28 patients were using clean intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder (5 per urethra, 23 via Mitrofanoff). Two patients remained on continuous suprapubic catheter drainage. A total of 18 patients (60%) were dry postoperatively (80% of girls and 50% of boys). Among dry patients only 3 were performing clean intermittent catheterization per urethra and 15 via a Mitrofanoff channel. No patient was able to void per urethra without the need for clean intermittent catheterization. The 2 patients on continuous suprapubic catheter drainage continued to remain so. At night only 50% of the patients were dry (5 on free drainage, 4 on clean intermittent catheterization, 6 not on any drainage). Those patients who did not respond satisfactorily to redo bladder neck reconstruction underwent subsequent additional procedures, which included injection of bulking agents (3 patients), insertion of an artificial urinary sphincter (1), Mitrofanoff formation (2) and bladder augmentation plus Mitrofanoff channel (1). Postoperative complications included difficulty with clean intermittent catheterization (8 patients), perivesical leak (1), recurrent epididymo-orchitis (1), upper urinary tract dilatation (2) and incisional hernia (1). Bladder neck closure was being considered in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience redo bladder neck reconstruction cannot achieve continence with volitional voiding per urethra. Although redo bladder neck reconstruction can render a significant number of patients dry, it is only effective if performed in conjunction with augmentation. Failure of the initial bladder neck reconstruction may be a reflection of a bladder that is of inadequate capacity and/or compliance. Therefore, bladder augmentation should be considered in all patients requiring redo bladder neck reconstruction. Bladder neck closure may be a better alternative to redo bladder neck reconstruction.     

Colpo-wrap: a new continence procedure

OBJECTIVE: To present a new surgical method to increase bladder outlet resistance for the treatment of urinary incontinence in girls and women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients (mean age 9.6 years), with urinary incontinence were operated using the new technique within the last 3 years. The principle of the procedure is tightening of the bladder neck by mobilizing the anterior vaginal wall and wrapping it around the bladder neck and proximal urethra, in the sense of a vaginoplication (colpoplication). The underlying conditions and causes for urinary incontinence was neurogenic bladder-sphincter dysfunction caused by myelodysplasia in three girls and anorectal malformation combined with a tethered spinal cord in one. In one case incontinence was caused by a cloacal anomaly and one girl had intrinsic sphincter insufficiency after repetitive Otis urethrotomies. The colpo-wrap was combined with a bladder augmentation and Mitrofanoff in three patients, the three other girls undergoing isolated procedures. RESULTS: The result of the method is a constant increase in outlet resistance and coaptation of the urethra, comparable with the effect of a vaginal sling procedure. Five patients are completely dry after surgery, one girl with cloaca needed an additional bladder neck injection with hyaluranon/dextranomer copolymer. Transurethral catheterization was possible after surgery with no problems in all patients who required intermittent catheterization. CONCLUSION: Considering the feasibility of this technique the colpo-wrap is a reasonable alternative for treating urinary incontinence in females.     

The treatment of sphincter strictures

A group of 25 patients with strictures of the membranous urethra following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were investigated and treated initially by careful urethral dilatation. This controlled the stricture in 14 patients, 6 of whom continued with occasional dilatation or self-catheterisation to maintain control; 8 required an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) and 2 required a "clam" ileocystoplasty for detrusor instability. Eleven had persistent or recurrent strictures requiring urethroplasty. Nine underwent bulbo-prostatic anastomotic urethroplasty, 4 with simultaneous bladder neck reconstruction and 5 with subsequent implantation of an AUS; 2 had a preputial patch urethroplasty with subsequent implantation of an AUS. Four of the 9 patients with a urethroplasty and an AUS are satisfactory, 1 developed a recurrent stricture and 2 developed erosions. Two of those with a bulbo-prostatic anastomosis and bladder neck reconstruction are satisfactory and 2 are incontinent. These results were compared with those of 18 other patients who underwent bladder neck reconstruction and 12 who had a urethroplasty in conjunction with an AUS for reasons other than a post-TURP sphincter stricture. The success rate of bladder neck reconstruction was 55% and the success rate of urethroplasty in conjunction with an AUS was 83%, but the main complication of AUS implantation, erosion, was a more serious problem than failure of bladder neck reconstruction. However, the much higher success rate makes AUS implantation a more satisfactory procedure. Surgery should be avoided if at all possible and reliance placed on urethral dilatation.     

Continent cutaneous diversions in children: experience with the Mitrofanoff procedure.

Continent cutaneous diversions with a urinary reservoir emptied by clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) using a non-refluxing conduit--the Mitrofanoff principle--were carried out in 10 children. Their age range was 3.9 to 17.1 years (average 12.2). The underlying diagnoses were ectopia vesicae (7), myelodysplasia (2) and a cervical cord injury secondary to birth trauma (1). The indications were incontinence secondary to poor bladder neck resistance in 8 children and an inaccessible urethral orifice in 2. The catheterising conduits used were the appendix in 9 and a vascularised gastric tube in 1. Eight children are bone-dry with CISC. Another child needed a reoperation following dehiscence of her bladder neck closure. The other child has an intact bladder neck and urethra and occasionally leaks overnight. Mitrofanoff diversions are a reliable means of continence with CISC. This means of urinary diversion can be permanent or temporary in children who cannot or will not catheterise urethrally. Elective appendicectomy in children with potential urinary incontinence or complicated urogenital anomalies is not recommended.     

Antegrade periurethral administration of Durasphere for management of a vesicoperineal fistula

A patient who had developed a persistent fistula between the urethra and bladder neck after its surgical closure in the construction of a continent urinary pouch and Mitrofanoff nipple was successfully treated by antegrade periurethral injection of a newly approved injectable bulking agent for stress urinary incontinence (Durasphere) to occlude the bladder neck. We believe this to be the first reported use of Durasphere for such treatment.     

Bulbar urethral ligation for managing persistent urinary incontinence in young men with myelomeningocele

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with ligation of the bulbar urethra for treating refractory stress incontinence in a selected group of young men with neuropathic bladders secondary to myelomeningocele (MM), in whom primary anti‐incontinence procedures had failed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Persistent urethral incontinence leading to chronic perineal skin ulceration can occur in these patients, despite aggressive medical and surgical efforts to decrease wetting by increasing bladder capacity, compliance and outlet resistance. Four young men with MM had bulbar urethral ligation; all had undergone a previous ileocystoplasty and functioning continent catheterizable channels (CCC, three appendicovesicostomies, one Monti procedure). Three patients had primary bladder neck procedures using rectus fascia slings, and secondary attempts were made at urethral bulking in two patients. All patients had persistent incontinence through their native urethra, with dry intervals of <2 h.

RESULTS

The bulbar urethra was ligated through a small midline perineal incision at 1 year after augmentation, and successfully resolved incontinence in all four patients. All reported satisfaction with their bladder regimen at a mean (range) follow‐up of 49 (20–93) months. There were no perineal wound infections. While one patient developed bladder calculi, no patient developed urethral stones, febrile urinary tract infections, fistulae or bladder perforations.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the results of bulbar urethral ligation for resolution of incontinence in patients with MM in whom anti‐incontinence bladder neck procedures had failed. Ligation of the urethra is effective, and can be considered an alternative treatment for refractory urinary incontinence in patients with a functional CCC in whom previous bladder neck‐supporting procedures have failed.     

Traumatic hemipelvectomy in children: report on 2 survivors with urological involvement

Traumatic hemipelvectomy through the sacroiliac joint is a devastating injury, mainly because of motor vehicle accidents. Recent improvements in prehospital trauma care have increased the chances of survival for victims. Besides amputation of the lower limb, associated complications usually involve digestive and urological systems.We report on 2 pediatric patients from 2 different European countries.

Patient 1

A 9-year-old boy suffered uprooting of his left lower limb, laceration of the rectum and anal sphincter, as well as an injury to distal urethra with partial loss of cavernous bodies. Initial management included a colostomy and an essay of contention by means of a polypropylene prosthesis that had to be removed in the following months. After several attempts at urethral reconstruction, he underwent a Mitrofanoff derivation.

Patient 2

An 18-month-old girl lost her left lower limb and suffered severe lacerations of bladder and rectum. Among other measures, management included a colostomy, a skin graft, and 2 attempts at reconstruction of her bladder neck, including a modified Casale procedure (cecum and ileocecal appendix were in a high position that made a Mitrofanoff derivation impossible) and a Malone procedure. To the authors' knowledge, she would be the youngest reported survivor of this kind of injury.     

Pelvic fracture urethral injuries in girls

PURPOSE: Injuries to the female urethra associated with pelvic fracture are uncommon. They may vary from urethral contusion to partial or circumferential rupture. When disruption has occurred at the level of the proximal urethra, it is usually complete and often associated with vaginal laceration. We retrospectively reviewed the records of a series of girls with pelvic fracture urethral stricture and present surgical treatment to restore urethral continuity and the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1984 and 1997, 8 girls 4 to 16 years old (median age 9.6) with urethral injuries associated with pelvic fracture were treated at our institutions. Immediate therapy involved suprapubic cystostomy in 4 cases, urethral catheter alignment and simultaneous suprapubic cystostomy in 3, and primary suturing of the urethra, bladder neck and vagina in 1. Delayed 1-stage anastomotic repair was performed in 1 patient with urethral avulsion at the level of the bladder neck and in 5 with a proximal urethral distraction defect, while a neourethra was constructed from the anterior vaginal wall in a 2-stage procedure in 1 with mid urethral avulsion. Concomitant vaginal rupture in 7 cases was treated at delayed urethral reconstruction in 5 and by primary repair in 2. The surgical approach was retropubic in 3 cases, vaginal-retropubic in 1 and vaginal-transpubic in 4. Associated injuries included rectal injury in 3 girls and bladder neck laceration in 4. Overall postoperative followup was 6 months to 6.3 years (median 3 years). RESULTS: Urethral obliteration developed in all patients treated with suprapubic cystostomy and simultaneous urethral realignment. The stricture-free rate for 1-stage anastomotic repair and substitution urethroplasty was 100%. In 1 girl complete urinary incontinence developed, while another has mild stress incontinence. Retrospectively the 2 incontinent girls had had an associated bladder neck injury at the initial trauma. Two recurrent vaginal strictures were treated successfully with additional transpositions of lateral labial flaps. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes that combined vaginal-partial transpubic access is a reliable approach for resolving complex obliterative urethral strictures and associated urethrovaginal fistulas or severe bladder neck damage after traumatic pelvic fracture injury in female pediatric patients. Although our experience with the initial management of these injuries is limited, we advocate early cystostomy drainage and deferred surgical reconstruction when life threatening clinical conditions are present or extensive traumatized tissue in the affected area precludes immediate ideal surgical repair.     

尿道"管状"保留及重建技术在机器人辅助腹腔镜前列腺根治性切除术中的应用

目的 探讨尿道"管状"保留及重建技术在机器人辅助腹腔镜前列腺根治性切除术(RALRP)中应用的安全性和有效性.方法 回顾性分析由单一术者(张旭)于2014年10月至2014年12月施行57例采用该技术的RALRP.对比围手术期资料以及术后随访情况.结果 57例患者均手术成功.平均手术操作时间147.4min.平均出血量114.8mL.术后拔除引流管平均时间5d,术后通气平均时间2d,术后患者平均住院时间7d.病理报告提示前列腺底部切缘阳性1例,前列腺尖部切缘阳性2例.随访手术后三个月有1例患者发生尿失禁.结论 尿道"管状"保留及重建技术用于机器人辅助腹腔镜前列腺根治性切除术中的安全性好,能更好的保留膀胱颈口,有利于膀胱和尿道的重建,降低了患者术后尿失禁的发生率.     

Radical Prostatectony with Preservation of Urinary Continence

Purpose

In an effort to improve postoperative urinary continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy, a new operation to preserve the bladder neck and a significant portion of the prostatic urethra has been developed.

Materials and Methods

The prostatic urethra is dissected in continuity with the bladder away from the lumen of the prostate, which allows for a true urethra-to-urethra anastomosis.

Results

A total of 24 patients who underwent the new continence sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy was compared retrospectively to 80 who previously underwent a nerve sparing procedure. Total continence was noted immediately in 11 patients, within 9 days in 15 and within 7 weeks in 21 of 24 who underwent the new operation, compared to 1, 5 and 33, respectively, of 80 who underwent the standard operation. Microscopic positive margins were noted in 2 of 24 patients with the new continence sparing operation. Early results of cancer control were good.

Conclusions

Early followup of this new technique of radical retropubic prostatectomy suggest that preservation of the continence mechanism at the level of the bladder neck and prostatic urethra results in significantly improved postoperative urinary continence without adversely affecting cancer control.     

SURGICAL MODIFICATIONS OF RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY TO DECREASE INCIDENCE OF POSITIVE SURGICAL MARGINS

Purpose

We sought to determine whether recent surgical modifications in the technique of radical retropubic prostatectomy decrease the incidence of positive surgical margins.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the records of 144 consecutive patients a mean of 60.8 years old who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy using a modified surgical technique. Mean prostate specific antigen was 8.6 ng./ml. and mean Gleason grade was 5.8. Surgical modifications included division of the dorsal venous complex of the penis 10 to 15 mm. distal to the prostatic apex; transection of the urethra 3 mm. beyond the prostatic apex; division of the anterior aspect of the urethra, leaving the investing periurethral musculature intact, and division of the posterior aspect of the urethra en bloc with the striated urethral sphinter; sharp dissection of the rectourethralis muscle and remaining attachments of the prostate to the rectum; wide excision of the neurovascular bundle posterolateral to the prostate when adjacent induration or tumor is present, and division of the bladder neck, leaving a 5 mm. cuff of bladder tissue with the prostate.

Results

Of 144 consecutive patients 16 (11.1%) had positive surgical margins at a total of 20 sites, including 7 (35%) at the apex, 8 (40%) posterolateral, 3 (15%) anterior and 2 (10%) at the bladder neck. These results compare favorably with the positive surgical margin rates after radical prostatectomy previously reported in the literature.

Conclusions

These surgical modifications appear to have decreased the incidence of positive surgical margins after radical retropubic prostatectomy.     

Urethral obstruction from dislodged bladder Diverticulum stones: a case report

Background

Secondary urethral stone although rare, commonly arises from the kidneys, bladder or are seen in patients with urethral stricture. These stones are either found in the posterior or anterior urethra and do result in acute urinary retention. We report urethral obstruction from dislodged bladder diverticulum stones. This to our knowledge is the first report from Nigeria and in English literature.

Case presentation

A 69 year old, male, Nigerian with clinical and radiological features of acute urinary retention, benign prostate enlargement and bladder diverticulum. He had a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and was lost to follow up. He re-presented with retained urethral catheter of 4months duration. The catheter was removed but attempt at re-passing the catheter failed and a suprapubic cystostomy was performed. Clinical examination and plain radiograph of the penis confirmed anterior and posterior urethral stones. He had meatotomy and antegrade manual stone extraction with no urethra injury.

Conclusions

Urethral obstruction can result from inadequate treatment of patient with benign prostate enlargement and bladder diverticulum stones. Surgeons in resource limited environment should be conversant with transurethral resection of the prostate and cystolithotripsy or open prostatectomy and diverticulectomy.     

Pelvic fracture-associated urethral injuries in girls: experience with primary repair

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with four urethral injuries in females accompanying a pelvic fracture, managed with primary repair or realignment of the urethra. PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were three teenage girls and one adult (22 years old). All the patients had complete urethral injuries associated with a pelvic fracture from accidents. They were managed by immediate suprapubic cystostomy followed by repair or realignment of the urethra over a catheter on the same day. The catheter was removed after 3 weeks and a voiding cysto-urethrogram taken. Thereafter they were followed with regular urethral calibration. RESULTS: All patients voided satisfactorily with a good stream; three were fully continent and the fourth had transient stress urinary incontinence. One patient needed dilatation at 2 months and another visual internal urethrotomy at 5 months. At a mean (range) follow-up of 33 (9-60) months all the patients had a normal voiding pattern and were continent; none developed vaginal stenosis. CONCLUSION: Primary repair of the urethra, and if that is impossible, simple urethral realignment over a catheter, is the procedure of choice for managing female urethral injury associated with a pelvic fracture. The procedure has the additional advantage of reducing the risk of vaginal stenosis.     

保留尿道前列腺切除术的并发症及防治

目的：探讨保留尿道前列腺切除术常见并发症及产生原因，以提高其治疗效果。方法：对157例有症状的良性前列腺增生症（BPH）患者行保留尿道前列腺切除术。术后随访3个月－6年。结果：术中和术后并发症有尿道损伤105例，膀胱颈损伤12例。精囊损伤5例，术中大量出血达500ml2例，腺体残留1例，膀胱肿块残留1例，轻度尿失禁5例，尿道狭窄2例。结论：术前全面检查、术中致细操作、术后控制尿路感染可减少并发症的发生。     

Four-corner bladder and urethral suspension for moderate cystocele

The classical approach to cystocele repair involves the approximation of lax pubocervical fascia through the anterior vaginal wall with narrowing of the bladder neck and proximal urethra by the Kelly-type plication. This procedure corrects the prolapse but when performed for the treatment of incontinence it has a high failure rate because the bladder neck and urethra are not placed into a high, supported, nonobstructed retropubic position. Furthermore, due to elevation of the bladder base without simultaneous elevation of the bladder neck and urethra, de novo stress urinary incontinence may occur. We developed a transvaginal needle suspension operation for the bladder and urethra that repairs anterior vaginal wall prolapse with excellent support of the bladder base and repositions the bladder neck in the high retropubic position, all during a simple and rapid operation that is tolerated well by the patient.     

小儿阑尾输出道可控性肠膀胱术(附七例报告)

目的 探讨阑尾输出道可控性肠膀胱术在小儿泌尿外科的应用效果。方法 报道7例小儿阑尾输出道可控性肠膀胱术治疗经验。男3例女4例,平均年龄8岁。车祸致膀胱、石输尿管及双睾丸缺失1例,先天性完全性尿失禁4例（尿生殖窦畸形、膀胱外翻各1例,短尿道2例）,神经源性膀胱2例。结果 5例（70％）达到预期效果,2例仍有尿自尿道排出。结论 阑尾输出道可控性膀胱术对需行尿流改道的患儿是一种有效的手术方式。     

Reconstruction of Membranous Urethral Strictures

Purpose of Review

Due to the proximity of the rhabdosphincter and cavernous nerves to the membranous urethra, reconstruction of membranous urethral stricture implies a risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. To avoid these complications, endoscopic management of membranous urethral strictures is traditionally favored, and bulboprostatic anastomosis is reserved as the main classical approach for open reconstruction of recalcitrant membranous urethral stricture. The preference for the anastomotic urethroplasty among reconstructive urologists is likely influenced by the familiarity and experience with trauma-related injuries. We review the literature focusing on the anatomy of membranous urethra and on the evolution of treatments for membranous urethral strictures.

Recent Findings

Non-traumatic strictures affecting bulbomembranous urethra are typically sequelae of instrumentation, transurethral resection of the prostate, prostate cancer treatment, and pelvic irradiation. Being a different entity from trauma-related injuries where urethra is not in continuity, a new understanding of membranous urethral anatomy is necessary for the development of novel reconstruction techniques. Although efficacious and durable to achieve urethral patency, classical bulboprostatic anastomosis carries a risk of de-novo incontinence and impotence. Newer and relatively less invasive reconstructive alternatives include bulbar vessel-sparing intra-sphincteric bulboprostatic anastomosis and buccal mucosa graft augmented membranous urethroplasty techniques. The accumulated experience with these techniques is relatively scarce, but several published series present promising results. These approaches are especially indicated in patients with previous transurethral resection of the prostate in which sparing of rhabdosphincter and the cavernous nerves is important in attempt to preserve continence and potency. Additionally, introduction of buccal mucosa onlay grafts could be especially beneficial in radiation-induced strictures to avoid transection of the sphincter in continent patients, and to preserve the blood supply to the urethra for incontinent patients who will require artificial urinary sphincter placement. The evidence regarding erectile functional outcomes is less solid and this item should be furtherly investigated.

     

Pathophysiology and Contributing Factors in Postprostatectomy Incontinence: A Review

Context

The incidence and awareness of postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) has increased during the past few years, probably because of an increase in prostate cancer surgery. Many theories have been postulated to explain the pathophysiology of PPI.