Management of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy.

Introduction: The impact of a urology oncology nurse specialist in the practice environment to assist with both pre and postoperative education needs of men undergoing genitourinary surgery for cancer was evaluated.

Objective: This study aimed to improve the preoperative process and teaching for men planning surgery for genitourinary cancers, including the delivery of pathology results. A secondary aim was to decrease the incidence of postoperative incontinence.

Methods: Male patients undergoing a radical prostatectomy were recruited. Patients who underwent surgery were evaluated both before and after the urology oncology nurse specialist role was established. Followup was via phone call interview and International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire.

Results: Men who received the personalized education from the urology oncology nurse specialist had a higher return of continence postoperatively, as well as higher satisfaction scores with the outcome of their surgery, including higher quality of life scores.

Conclusion: The urology oncology nurse specialist role had a significant impact on the postoperative incontinence rate and provided a missing patient education piece that improved the overall patient satisfaction rate with oncology-related care.