Impact of early pelvic floor rehabilitation after transurethral resection of the prostate

We examined the results of teaching pelvic floor muscle exercises (PME) on micturition parameters, urinary incontinence. post-micturition dribbling, a nd quality of life in patients after transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). Fi fty-eight consecutive patients who were selected to undergo TURF for benign prostatic hyperplasia. (BPH) were admitted into the study: 28 were randoml y assigned to a control group (A), 30 formed the investigational group (B) during an initial visit conducted before surgery. In group B patients. peri neal exercises were demonstrated in detail, and tested for their correct us e via simultaneous rectal and abdominal examination. After the removal of t he urethral catheter, these patients were instructed to perform pelvic floo r muscle exercises at home and were evaluated before the exercises and at w eekly intervals por;postoperatively. The American Urological Association Sy mptom Score improved significantly after TURF in both groups. The average q uality of life score improved more significantly in group B after TURF, fro m 5.5 to 1.5 (P < 0.001). The grade of muscle contraction strength Lifter 4 weeks of PME increased from 2.8 to 3.8 in group B (P < 0.01); it was uncha nged in the group A. The number of patients with incontinence episodes and post-micturition dribbling was significantly lower in the group B at weeks 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.01). Our results show that pelvic floor muscle re-educat ion produces a quicker improvement of urinary symptoms and of quality of li fe in patients after TURF. Its early practice reduces urinary incontinence and post-micturition dribbling in the first postoperative weeks. The exerci ses are simple and easy to perform in the clinical setting and at home, and therefore should be recommended to all cooperative patients after TURF. Ne urourol. Urodynam. 20:53-59. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.