Recent Advances in Diagnosing and Treating Post-Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence.

ABSTRACT

Radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy are common first-line treatments for clinically localized prostate cancer. Despite advances in surgical technology and multidisciplinary management, post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) remains a common clinical complication. The incidence and duration of PPI are highly heterogeneous, varying considerably between individuals. Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence may result from a combination of factors, including patient characteristics, lower urinary tract function, and surgical procedures. Physicians often rely on detailed medical history, physical examinations, voiding diaries, pad tests, and questionnaires-based symptoms to identify critical factors and select appropriate treatment options. Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence treatment can be divided into conservative treatment and surgical interventions, depending on the severity and type of incontinence. Pelvic floor muscle training and lifestyle interventions are commonly conservative strategies. When conservative treatment fails, surgery is frequently recommended, and the artificial urethral sphincter remains the "gold standard" surgical intervention for PPI. This review focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of PPI, based on the most recent clinical research and recommendations of guidelines, including epidemiology and risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies, aimed at presenting a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in this field and assisting doctors in providing personalized treatment options for patients with PPI.