The Role of Urodynamics in Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence

Purpose of Review

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the standard surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer. One of the side effects after RP impacting quality of life is urinary incontinence. Because of the impact in quality of life, more patients are seeking treatment for post-prostatectomy incontinence. Urodynamics are an important tool to help understand how prostate surgery changes bladder and urethral function. We reviewed the current literature in order to determine the role of urodynamics in post-prostatectomy incontinence.

Recent Findings

Studies have been done to demonstrate the anatomical and functional changes in incontinent men after radical prostatectomy compared to continent men, as well as to evaluate the use of urodynamics in the work-up for post-prostatectomy incontinence prior to treatment. However, there is not a consensus about the indications of urodynamics in this population and new studies have questioned the real role of urodynamics in this setting.

Summary

Because of the impact in quality of life, more patients are seeking treatment for post-prostatectomy incontinence. Urodynamics have been used to have a better understanding of the anatomical and functional changes in incontinent men after radical prostatectomy; however, the role of urodynamic testing to assess these patients and offer treatment is still to be determined.