Continence After Prostate Cancer

Urinary incontinence following robotic prostate removal surgery is almost always a temporary condition. Most men experience a temporary loss of bladder control similar to the stress incontinence experienced by women after childbirth. This occurs because the sphincter muscles responsible for managing the release of urine may be disrupted or weakened during the procedure.

Should you be worried about incontinence after prostate cancer surgery?

In most cases, post-operative incontinence involves minor leaking or dripping, particularly during strenuous activity or sudden movements like coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

In the hands of an experienced New York City robotic surgeon, most patients regain full urinary control within two to three months. These results are significantly improved when opting for robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. The high precision of robotic technology allows Dr. David Samadi to meticulously avoid the urinary sphincter. Furthermore, by delaying the dorsal vein complex stitch until the end of the procedure, Dr. Samadi can maintain the optimal length of the urethra, which is critical for reducing post-surgical leaking.

How to Regain Urinary Continence After Surgery

• Kegel Exercises: Dr. Samadi recommends Kegel exercises to all patients at our Manhattan practice. These involve repetitive clenching and releasing of the pelvic floor muscles. Research shows that men who begin these exercises prior to surgery experience a much faster recovery of continence.
• Continence Medication: Certain prescription medications, such as anticholinergics, can help alleviate the frequent urge to urinate. In some cases, decongestants may be used to help strengthen the sphincter muscles, though these should only be taken under a physician’s strict supervision.
• Collagen Injections: For short-term relief, collagen injections can “plump” the urinary sphincter, providing better resistance and improved urine control.
• Surgical Options for Incontinence: While long-term incontinence after prostate removal is rare, Prostate Cancer 911 offers several advanced treatments for symptoms that persist for a year or more, including the surgical restoration of urinary control.

Bibliography & Clinical Resources

1. Prostate Cancer: Urinary Incontinence, WebMD.
2. Risk of Urinary Incontinence Following Prostatectomy, PubMed Central (National Institutes of Health).
3. Conservative Treatment for Postprostatectomy Incontinence, Clinical Urology Research.
4. Urinary Incontinence, Patient Satisfaction, and Decisional Regret, Urologia Internationalis.