POSTOPERATIVE URINARY INCONTINENCE

Abstract

Loss of voluntary control of the bladder after prostatectomy is very distressing to the patient, as he feels his postoperative plight much more keenly than his preoperative suffering. This is an extreme disappointment to the surgeon as it mars and discounts an otherwise technically perfect operation. The occurrence of incontinence of urine following prostatectomy is more frequent than statistical and general reports would lead one to believe. Fortunately, the mastering and perfection of technic of both the suprapubic and perineal methods of prostatectomy by well trained genito-urinary surgeons has led to a marked disappearance of this very disagreeable and annoying symptom. The mechanism of urination and the anatomic changes about the neck of the bladder and posterior urethra have been imperfectly understood until recently. During the past fifteen years, genito-urinary surgeons have displayed an increased interest in the ultimate results of prostatectomies, and this has led to numerous investigations into