title: [Continence problems after radical prostatectomy: role of rehabilitation of the pelvic floor].
abstract: Continence mechanisms can be compromised after radical prostatectomy. Relatively low percentages of urinary incontinence are reported (2-15%). Perineal floor physiotherapy is considered an actual method of treatment of urinary incontinence in females. It is based on pelvic floor muscles exercises, biofeedback and functional electrical stimulation. The aim of physiotherapy is to improve pelvic floor muscles proprioception, to increase tone of levator ani and to favour automatization of these muscles in daily life. The reports in Literature on perineal floor physiotherapy in treating incontinence after radical prostatectomy are scarce. In this paper we present our experience about 9 patients with incontinence post radical prostatectomy (out of 74 patients operated on at our Institution). We obtained an improvement or a complete cure in 78% of the treated patients. We believed that pelvic floor physiotherapy can be considered a good and safe method of treatment of incontinence after radical prostatectomy, at least in less serious cases.
authors.affiliation: U.O. Urologia, Ospedale E. Bassini, Cinisello Balsamo, MI.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fanciullacci
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Franzini
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Politi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Barana
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alfano
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gatti
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stagni
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Angiolillo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017773:Pelvic Floor; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*