Abstract
Introduction
Urological physiotherapy is an effective treatment for lower urinary tract disorders incurred by radical prostatectomy (RP), which significantly impair quality of life. The present study evaluates pelvic floor muscle function in patients who have undergone RP using ultrasound; it also analyses the factors impacting the effectiveness of urological physiotherapy.
Material and methods
The medical records of 42 patients who underwent physiotherapy before RP were subjected to retrospective analysis. All received a standard examination of pelvic floor function utilizing ultrasound imaging and physiotherapy.
Results
Thirty-six (86%) patients demonstrated an incorrect muscle reaction before physiotherapy, but fewer than 10% after physiotherapy. The median time between first consultation and radical prostatectomy was 9.3 months; this length of this period had a significant influence on the effects of physiotherapy (p < 0.01), but not on the functional state of the pelvic floor muscles (p = 0.47). Early commencement of exercises appears to increase the effectiveness of the physiotherapy.
Conclusions
Ultrasound imaging is a useful tool for assessing pelvic floor muscle activity and for monitoring the correctness of the performed exercises. Ultrasound imaging should be used during physiotherapy to provide a functional diagnosis of the pelvic floor muscles.