The Role of Retrograde Urethrography as a Predictor of Early Recovery of Urinary Continence after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study is designed to explore the role of retrograde urethrography as a predictor of recovery of urinary continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy from January 2005 to April 2007 were investigated. Among them one neurogenic bladder patient and one follow up loss patient were excluded. Voiding pattern and urinary incontinence were investigated with voiding diary monthly after Foley catheter removal. Recovery of urinary continence was defined as usage of less than 1 diaper per day. Pericatheter urethrography was conducted 2 weeks after operation. If definite bladder-urethral extravasation was not detected, an retrograde urethrography was performed immediately. 30 patients with sufficient length of urethra, regular margin of urethra and beaky appearance were defined as Group A, and 8 patients without above mentioned characteristics were marked as Group B. Differences between two groups were compared in terms of age, prostate volume, prostate specific antigen, urodynamic parameters, and duration of urinary incontinence. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in age, prostate volume, PSA between two groups. In group A, recovery rates of urinary continence were 70% (21 persons), 100% (30 persons) at 1,3 months after removal of catheter, respectively. In group B, rates of urinary continence recovery were 16.6% (1 person), 37.5% (3 persons), 75% (6 persons) at 1,3,4 months, respectively and 1 person regained continence at 7 months. CONCLUSION: A catheter free retrograde urethrography can be easily added after confirmation of bladder urethra anastomosis site healing. It gives us some valuable informations about external sphincter. The characteristics of retrograde urethrography can be used as a predictor of early recovery of postoperative incontinence.