Pelvic floor muscle training after radical prostatectomy

Marinela Jadanec, Mario Sučić

 

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in elderly men. Radical prostatectomy is the gold standard, however it damage neurovascular structures and can lead to functional deficits primarily in the form of incontinence and impotence. Physiotherapy intervention performing pelvic fl oor muscle training reduces the duration and intensity of urinary incontinence and positively infl uence on quality of the sexual life of patients. The aim of this study was to present a case of a patient with urogenital dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.

Elaboration: Study presents a case of a patient with static urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Physiotherapy assessment indicates a loss of function and strength of pelvic floor muscles. Physiotherapy intervention was consided of pelvic floor muscle training of low, moderate and high intensity with isolated activation of the urethral and anal opening for 6 weeks. The patient is educated to perform pelvic floor muscle training through functional activities and during intercourse. After 6 weeks, there was an increase in strength and function of pelvic floor muscles and absence of static urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion: Urogenital dysfunction in men is still neglected and a major infl uence on the quality of life in the postoperative period. The results of this case indicate a high effi ciency of pelvic fl oor muscle training in order to improve the quality of life of patients.

Key words: pelvic floor muscle training, urogenital dysfunction, men

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