How to Predict Outcomes from a Biofeedback and Pelvic Floor Muscle Electric Stimulation Program in Patients with Urinary Incontinence after Radical Prostatectomy

Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze the pre-operative and intra-operative variables that can condition urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP), as well as continence rate recovery during a pelvic floor rehabilitation program. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 cases with UI after RP were prospectively examined. All cases were homogeneously treated by the same surgeon, using the same RP technique. A combination of biofeedback (BF) and pelvic floor electric stimulation (PFES) performed by the same clinician and using the same protocol was used. Clinical, pathologic and surgical variables were analyzed in terms of 24 h pad test results (pad weight and pad-free status). Results: Prostate volume (PV) strongly varied from 24 to 127 cc (mean ± SD 46.39 ± 18.65 cc), and the baseline pad weight varied from 10 to 1500 cc (mean ± SD 354.29 ± 404.15 cc). PV strongly and positively correlated with the baseline pad weight (r = 0.4215; p = 0.0269) and inversely with the three-month pad weight (r = − 0.4763; p = 0.0213) and pad-free status (r =− 0.3010; p = 0.0429). The risk of a residual pad weight >10 g after the rehabilitative program significantly increased according to PV (p = 0.001) and the baseline pad weight (p = 0.002 and < 0.0001). In particular, PV > 40 cc and a baseline pad weight >400 g significantly (p = 0.010 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and independently predicted a 5.7 and a 35.4 times increase in the risk of a residual pad weight at the three-month follow-up, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first prospective trial whose primary objective is to verify the possible predictors, such as PV, that are able to condition the response to a pelvic floor rehabilitation program for UI after RP.

Rehabilitation of hypotonus pelvic floor muscles with a telerehab approach- Case report

Pelvic floor muscle is a group of muscles which acts as a Sling to Support, Assist and Aid the functions of Bladder, Bowel and Sexual activities. Hypotonus Pelvic floor muscle Dysfunction is a common condition suffered by Postmenopausal women where the strength of the Pelvic muscles reduces. Mostly reported is the incidence of Urinary incontinence and Pelvic organ prolapse. There are Various Proven Exercises, Equipments and Interventions which can be administered for the Hypotonus rehabilitation however due to the Covid- 19 Pandemic lockdown and with Social distancing there was a dearth felt by the Pelvic floor therapist for the rehabilitation of the Pelvic floor concern. This case report discusses the Telerehab approach and Progression Intervention for the Hypotonic Pelvic floor rehabilitation by Improving the Strength and the Quality of life of the women during such times when reaching the Pelvic floor therapist is difficult.

A randomized clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of pre- and post-surgical pelvic floor physiotherapy for bowel symptoms, pelvic floor function, and quality of life of patients with rectal cancer: CARRET protocol

Background There is scarcity of trials about preventative strategies for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in rectal cancer patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a pre- and post-surgical pelvic floor rehabilitation program on the bowel symptoms, pelvic floor function, and quality of life of rectal cancer patients. Methods A randomized controlled trial with parallel groups (pelvic floor rehabilitation versus control group), with a blinded evaluator. Participants and setting: 56 stage I to III rectal cancer patients aged from 18 to 80 years old undergoing sphincter preservation surgery at Hospital del Salvador and who have a sufficient knowledge of Spanish. Main outcome measures: ICIQ-B questionnaire for intestinal symptoms, high-resolution anorectal manometry (Alacer Multiplex 24-channel manometry equipment) for anorectal function, pelvic floor muscle strength test with Oxford Modified Scale, and a quality of life test with the EORTC QLQ C30 questionnaire. The evaluations will be carried out at five stages: before surgery, before and after the pelvic floor rehabilitation, and during a 3-month and 1-year follow-up. Interventions: one pre-rehabilitation session and 9 to 12 sessions of pelvic floor rehabilitation, including patient education, pelvic floor muscle exercises, pelvic floor electromyography biofeedback, and capacitive and sensory rectal training with a balloon probe. Rehabilitation will begin 3–5 weeks before the ileostomy is removed (four sessions) and around 3 weeks after stoma removal (5–8 sessions). Discussion We expect the program to improve the bowel symptoms, pelvic floor function, and quality of life of rectal cancer patients. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12620000040965. Registered on 21 January 2020.