Incontinence and impotence after prostate cancer surgery
According to the Norwegian Prostate Cancer Association (Prostatakreftforeningen), about 80% still have problems achieving an erection one year after a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. This can affect quality of life, even if the cancer treatment itself is successful.
There are good treatment options, and it is important to remember that there is life after prostate cancer surgery. With targeted rehabilitation and the right follow-up, function and quality of life can improve considerably.
Focus on incontinence and pelvic floor training
A key component of rehabilitation is targeted pelvic floor training to reduce urinary leakage and regain control. In men after prostatectomy there is often weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, and incorrectly performed exercises can reduce the effect. We offer guided training with ultrasound guidance, so that the patient learns to activate the muscles correctly and normalise the tension level. This increases the chance of faster improvement and better continence.
Focused shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction
Many patients struggle with erections after surgery, and traditional solutions such as PDE5 inhibitors or penile injections do not always work optimally, or cause unpleasant side effects.
Research shows that focused shockwave treatment can be an effective addition:
- A study published in the International Journal of Urology showed that 76% of patients experienced improved erection hardness after Shockwave.
- Another study in Urology reported that the treatment both improved erectile function and reduced the need for other forms of treatment such as medication or injections.
Shockwave stimulates blood flow and tissue regeneration in the penis, which can give a more natural and lasting erection, while the treatment is safe and free of side effects.
Prehabilitation – training before surgery
Research and clinical experience show that adapted prehabilitation exercises before surgery can make a big difference:
- Pelvic floor exercises before the operation strengthen the muscles and make the tissue more resilient
- This can contribute to faster improvement of continence and function after surgery
- Prehabilitation leaves the patient better equipped to follow the rehabilitation programme after the procedure
A holistic course of treatment
Our rehabilitation programme is individually adapted and combines:
1. Thorough examination and mapping of incontinence and erectile dysfunction 2. Guided pelvic floor training with ultrasound guidance 3. Focused shockwave treatment for erectile function 4. Pre- and post-operative guidance for optimal recovery 5. Follow-up and evaluation, with adjustment of exercises and treatment as needed
Through this holistic programme, medical treatment is combined with muscle training and guidance, so that the patient can regain function, normalise tension levels and improve quality of life after prostate cancer surgery.
Do you have questions, or do you want to start a rehabilitation programme after radical prostatectomy? Contact our urological physiotherapist and shockwave specialist Kasper S. Kierkegaard on telephone 98608912, or book a “Urologisk 1.gangstime” (urological first appointment) via “Book appointment” at the top of the page.
Book an appointment with Kasper Sass Kierkegaard, Behandlerverket Ski