title: Post-radical prostatectomy incontinence: etiology and prevention.
abstract: All patients undergoing a radical prostatectomy (RP) using any surgical approach, be it open, laparoscopic, or robotic, are at risk of developing postprostatectomy urinary incontinence. This side effect of RP has an effect on the patient's quality of life and can be associated with moderate to severe postoperative morbidity. The authors present a review of the etiology and prevention strategies of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence. Based on the current literature, the authors conclude that there is a paucity of studies that can accurately answer the exact anatomic and physiologic etiologies of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence. The aim of urologic surgeons performing RP should be to reduce the rate of postoperative incontinence rather than attempting to treat it once it has occurred. Further studies aimed at providing a detailed anatomic map of the pelvic anatomy related to continence will help to improve surgical techniques and reduce postoperative urinary incontinence following RP.
authors.affiliation: Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire Robotic Urological Cancer Centre, Department of Urology, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kimberley
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hoyland
authors.affiliation: Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire Robotic Urological Cancer Centre, Department of Urology, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Nikhil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vasdev
authors.affiliation: Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire Robotic Urological Cancer Centre, Department of Urology, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abrof
authors.affiliation: Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire Robotic Urological Cancer Centre, Department of Urology, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Boustead
keywords: Radical prostatectomy; Urethral length; Urinary incontinence