INCIDENCE OF FECAL AND URINARY INCONTINENCE FOLLOWING RADICAL PERINEAL AND RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY IN A NATIONAL POPULATION

Abstract

Fecal incontinence following radical prostatectomy occurs more frequently than previously recognized. In general fecal incontinence among radical perineal and retropubic prostatectomy patients surpasses the expected incidence rate of 4% for this age group (60 to 70 years) but incidence is significantly higher for radical perineal prostatectomy patients. However, radical perineal prostatectomy patients have a significantly lower incidence of urinary incontinence than those treated with retropubic prostatectomy. Surgeons who perform radical retropubic and perineal prostatectomy should be aware of the possibility of fecal and/or urinary incontinence and associated symptoms.