Biofeedback Training for the Recovery of Urinary Continence After Prostatectomy: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) has various forms of treatment to improve pelvic floor muscle function and biofeedback can accelerate the return to continence. We aimed to systematize scientific evidence on the use of biofeedback in the recovery of PPI. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of PPI through biofeedback with or without other techniques were selected from MedLine/PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Library, SciELO, IBECS and PEDro databases using the descriptors prostatectomy AND urinary incontinence AND pelvic floor. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and Jadad scale. In all, 61 articles were reviewed and nine which used biofeedback after prostatectomy were selected. In 55.5 percent (5/9) of the studies, biofeedback presented better results (recovery of continence) compared to other types of treatment or no intervention. Shorter time to recovery of continence was observed in three studies. Biofeedback appears to be an effective option for the recovery of continence after prostatectomy.