Objective: To evaluate whether anticholinergic medication contributes to early recovery of continence and improvement of other voiding symptoms after radical prostatectomy (RP).
Patients and methods: A total of 78 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who had incontinence at 1 week after RP were enrolled prospectively. The patients were allocated to one of the 2 groups: group 1 (α-adrenergic agonist [midodrine] plus an anticholinergic [solifenacin]) or group 2 (α-adrenergic agonist only). A urodynamic study and the International Continence Society male Short Form questionnaire were completed preoperatively and 4 months after RP. One-hour pad test and 3-day frequency volume chart at 1 and 4 months after medication were also analyzed.
Results: The rate of continence, defined as being pad free, did not differ between the groups at 4 months (both 71.8%; P >.05). However, the decreased value of mean weight of daily pads worn by groups 1 and 2 were 51.5 vs 11.7 g, respectively (P = .005). The incontinence (P = .008) and quality of life (P = .044) subscale scores significantly worsened in group 2, whereas they remained unchanged in group 1. Maximal detrusor pressure and maximal urethral closure pressure significantly decreased in both groups, whereas maximal cystometric capacity increased significantly in group 1 only (290.8-332.0 cm H2O; P <.001).
Conclusion: Anticholinergics may facilitate early recovery from incontinence and prevent worsening of quality of life, which might be attributed to increased cystometric capacity after their use.
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