Prevention and management of incontinence following radical prostatectomy.

Incontinence after radical prostatectomy can have a significant impact on quality of life. Although several risk factors have been identified, the surgical technique and advancing age are important factors associated with postprostatectomy incontinence. Despite advances in technique, incontinence still occurs in a small group of men. Sphincteric dysfunction is the most common cause of postradical prostatectomy incontinence, but bladder dysfunction cannot be discounted. Treatments range from conservative to surgical and should be tailored to the individual based on the degree of bother and patient willingness to accept different therapeutic options.