Continence recovery following radical prostatectomy

Early postoperative continence problems following radical prostatectomy may occur in some patients, but continence usually improves during the first year following the operative procedure. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of early postoperative continence problems and to determine the subsequent continence recovery over time. In 65 patients having a radical prostatectomy, mild and moderate incontinence occurred commonly at one month and three months following surgery. but significant improvement occurred at 6 months and 1 year. While most patients who have early postoperative incontinence will have recovery of continence function during the first year, the more severe early continence problems are more likely to persist as a prolonged continence dysfunction.