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Standing cough test for evaluation of post-prostatectomy incontinence: a pilot study
Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
Feb  2017 (Vol.  24, Issue  1, Pages( 8664 - 8669)
PMID: 28263134

Abstract

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  • INTRODUCTION:

    We implemented a standardized Standing Cough Test (SCT) for assessment of men with post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) and stratified results according to an objective clinical grading scale in an attempt to facilitate male anti-incontinence surgical procedure selection.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS:

    SCT was routinely performed during the initial outpatient consultation for PPI. Incontinence severity was recorded based on a novel Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS) to stratify PPI. Each patient was assigned an incontinence grade score of 0 through 4 during the SCT. Men with mild stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (grades 0-2) were offered sling surgery while those with heavier SUI (grades 3-4) were offered artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). MSIGS grade was correlated to preoperative patient-reported pads per day (PPD), and patient-reported outcomes of anti-incontinence surgery were assessed.

    RESULTS:

    Among 62 consecutive PPI patients, 20 (32%) were graded as mild based on SCT, while the majority (42/62, 68%) were graded as moderate-severe. Average time from prostatectomy to treatment was 6 years. MSIGS grade demonstrated a strong correlation with preoperative PPD (r = 0.74). Among the 53 patients who underwent surgery for PPI, 14 with mild SUI received a sling, while 39 (74%) more severe cases received an AUS. Patient-reported improvement was high overall in both groups (median 95%).

    CONCLUSION:

    Most men with chronic PPI present for definitive treatment in a delayed manner after prostatectomy despite having severe incontinence. The SCT provides immediate, objective information about the severity of PPI which strongly correlates with patient-reported pads-per-day and may expedite anti-incontinence surgical procedure selection.