Predictors of Early Continence Recovery Following Radical Prostatectomy, Including Transperineal Ultrasound to Evaluate the Membranous Urethra Length (CHECK-MUL Study)

Abstract

Introduction: To predict early continence recovery following radical prostatectomy (RP) using baseline demographic and clinical data, as well as dynamic transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) parameters of membranous urethral length (MUL). Patients and Methods: A retrospective CHECK-MUL (check of membranous urethral length) study was conducted. We evaluated 154 patients who underwent RP between August 2018 and April 2023. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative dynamic TPUS to measure MUL. Urinary continence was defined as the use of one safety pad or less 3 months post surgery. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was used to assess urinary incontinence (UI). We used logistic regression to assess the association between MUL and early continence recovery. A multivariable logistic regression model was then constructed for the prediction of early continence recovery based on the MUL. Results: The median MUL observed pre- and postoperatively in this study were similar (14.6 mm and 12.9 mm). In the univariable logistic regression analysis, the pre- and postoperative MUL measured by TPUS (odds ratio (OR): 1.12; 95%-CI: 1.02–1.79; p = 0.05 and OR: 1.01; 95%-CI: 1.02–1.12; p p = 0.03), BMI (OR: 1.44; 95%-CI: 1.18–2.92; p = 0.05), and bilateral nerve sparing (OR: 1.24; 95%-CI: 1.02–1.9; p = 0.05) were independent predictors of urinary continence in univariable logistic regression models. Preoperative MUL >15 mm (95% CI 1.28–1.33; p = 0.03) and postoperative MUL >14 mm (95% CI 1.2–1.16; p = 0.05) were significantly associated with early continence recovery at 3 months post surgery. Conclusions: The likelihood of continence recovery increases with membranous urethral length and decreases with age, BMI, and lack of nerve sparing. Preoperative MUL >15 mm and postoperative MUL >14 mm were significantly associated with early continence recovery at 3 months post surgery.

Keywords

• transperineal ultrasound
• urinary continence
• membranous urethra length
• radical prostatectomy