Are you still leaking urine six months out from your da Vinci robotic surgery for prostate cancer? Here are causes and solutions
The da Vinci System of robotic surgery is the premier choice among men with prostate cancer, as it provides more accuracy, control and precision than do human hands.
As a result, recovery time and complication risks are reduced when compared to those of open surgery.
But the da Vinci procedure doesn’t guarantee zero longer-term postoperative effects in every single patient.
All surgeries, no matter how technologically advanced, carry some risk of complications.
Urinary incontinence (leaking urine) can be an outcome of da Vincie surgery for prostate cancer.
“Prostatectomy can be difficult; and for many men, finding out they have no control over urination after surgery is a shock,” begins Kiarash Michel, MD, a urologic oncological surgeon with Cedars Sinai who specializes in robotic surgery, and is cofounder of MDbio, a plant-based medicine company.
Men can have peace of mind that many treatment options exist for urinary incontinence that follows prostate surgery.
“Prostatectomy is associated with a few risks. The prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra, may be partially or wholly removed. Removal of the prostate can hinder muscle function or nerve function that govern urine control.”
Most men who undergo prostate removal will actually experience some leaking urine.
As bad as this sounds, it’s also true that most of these patients will eventually regain control of their bladder. It may take many months.
“The degree of incontinence varies from person to person. It can range from completely uncontrolled to palliative.
“And, the amount of leakage immediately after surgery will likely decrease as you continue to recover and any additional bladder or pelvic floor treatment you may have.”
Six Months Later: Still Leaking Pee
“Most men with loss of bladder control have symptoms six months to one year after prostate surgery,” says Dr. Michel.
“For most men, urinary incontinence goes away in about one year.
“Performing pelvic floor exercises, which strengthen the muscles at the base of the pelvis between the pubic bones, can help speed up the recovery process.”
You’ll want to check with your healthcare provider regarding rehab services that focus on strengthening the pelvic muscles.
“Men in need of radiation therapy after prostate removal often go through a lot of discomfort with fecal incontinence,” adds Dr. Michel.
“This usually goes away by itself, but if not, additional treatments such as colostomy is an option.”
What if urinary incontinence is still present after many months following da Vinci surgery, and there isn’t any sign of future resolution?
“Sometimes, men need another surgery to fix persistent urine leakage,” says Dr. Michel.
“This may include urethral ligation procedure or an artificial urinary sphincter. With urethral ligation, a synthetic mesh band is inserted to support the urethra.
“And with an artificial urinary sphincter, there may be up to 80% improvement in bladder control because the problem is fixed internally.”
Dr. Michel is a leading physician in prostate cancer therapy, urological cancers, benign prostatic hyperplasia, female urology, urinary disorders, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, stone diseases and anti-aging. MDbio provides safe non-pharmaceutical alternatives to maximizing overall health and wellbeing.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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