A Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Program to Prevent Urinary Leakage in Prostate Cancer Patients after Radical Prostatectomy
This clinical trial evaluates a pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) program compared to usual care in preventing urinary leakage in prostate cancer patients after surgical removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy). Radical prostatectomy is a common treatment for men with prostate cancer and is associated with a risk of long-term side effects, of which involuntary urine leakage is among the most difficult to manage. Urinary leakage is a common and debilitating side effect of radical prostatectomy that compromises men’s quality of life, physical and social functioning. Urinary leakage can last for years after radical prostatectomy and can lead to low self-esteem, depression, compromise personal relationships, increased health care costs and loss of time at work. Unfortunately, there are no proven, effective nonsurgical treatments available for men with urinary leakage after radical prostatectomy, and the available treatments for urinary leakage have not improved in the last 70 years. Restoring urinary control after radical prostatectomy is critical for men’s quality of life, physical and social functioning. Urinary control following radical prostatectomy is dependent upon several factors but is largely dependent on the pelvic floor muscles and these muscles may play an important role in urinary control. Increased pelvic muscular strength, endurance, and coordination can contribute to improved urinary control. PFMEs may improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles and urinary system, improving urinary control. Using a PFME program may prevent urinary leakage and increase urinary control in prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy.