In addition to our sports and work-related injury management programs, we have dedicated programs to assist men prepare for and recover from major surgical procedures.
Prostate cancer and incontinence
More than 15,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. Radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) is the most common treatment for localised prostate cancer, but men often experience urinary incontinence (leaking of urine) after surgery that may affect their ability to return to work and normal social activity. There is strong research evidence to support pelvic floor muscle training to reduce leaking of urine after a radical prostatectomy. We have been working with urologists across Western Sydney to provide this pelvic floor muscle training for the past 10 years.
We understand that it can be difficult to make time for preparation and training before major surgery. We offer convenient appointment times with a male physiotherapist, in a male-friendly environment. By using the latest in real-time ultrasound technology we are able to ensure that you are doing your pelvic floor muscle training correctly to achieve the best outcomes.
Our physiotherapy treatment: prostate surgery
Undergoing prostate surgery can be a challenging time, and effective treatment requires a good working relationship with the physiotherapist to establish a personalised, clear and effective plan of management. Research evidence supports the beneficial effects of physiotherapy treatment for men undergoing prostate surgery. Providing a comprehensive service for people going through this experience is an important part of our practice, we provide the full range of services that are required.
For men undergoing prostate surgery we develop and implement an individual management plan. Our team has extensive clinical experience in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, sports and mens health services to ensure the most effective management plan for each person is achieved. We take a comprehensive approach, which includes the use of real-time transperineal ultrasound examination of male pelvic floor function, combined with the prescription of appropriately individualised exercise programs which facilitate optimal recovery times and surgical outcomes. We are committed to assessing, treating and supporting men, as well as family and friends, in preparation for surgery and through the recovery process.
We work closely with your Urologist throughout your treatment. Our practice has had the opportunity to undertake a number of research projects which have been published in international peer reviewed journals.
Publications: men’s health and continence
- Trieu D, Ju IE, Chang SB, Mungovan SF, Patel MI. Surgeon case volume and continence recovery following radical prostatectomy: a systematic review. ANZ J Surg. 2020 Dec 14.
- Tienza A, Graham PL, Robles JE, Diez-Caballero F, Rosell D, Pascual JI, Patel MI, Mungovan SF. Daily Pad Usage Versus the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form for Continence Assessment Following Radical Prostatectomy. Int Neurourol J. 2020 Jun;24(2):156-162.
- Mungovan SF, Jaffe WI, Graham PL, Patel MI, Sandhu JS. A novel human cadaver model to investigate a retrourethral transobturator male sling procedure. Investig Clin Urol. 2019 Sep;60(5):367-372.
- Ha HK, Luiting HB, Graham PL, Patel MI, Sandhu JS, Akin O, Mungovan SF Three novel methods to measure the postoperative displacement of lower urinary tract structures following radical prostatectomy in a sample of Korean patients. BMC Urol. 2019 Jun 18;19(1):54.
- Mungovan SF, Luiting HB, Graham PL, Sandhu JS, Akin O, Chan L, Patel MI. The measurement of membranous urethral length using transperineal ultrasound prior to radical prostatectomy. Scand J Urol. 2018 Aug;52(4):263-268.
- Mungovan SF, Sandhu JS, Akin O, Smart NA, Graham PL, Patel MI. Preoperative Membranous Urethral Length Measurement and Continence Recovery Following Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Eur Urol. 2017 Mar; 71(3):368-378.
- Mungovan SF, Huijbers BP, Hirschhorn AD, Patel MI. What makes men leak? An investigation of objective and self-report measures of urinary incontinence early after radical prostatectomy Neurourol Urodyn (in press). Published online Nov 2014.
- Mungovan SF, Huijbers BP, Hirschhorn AD, Patel. Relationships between preoperative physical activity and urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: an observational study. BMC Urology 13: 67 2013.
- Patel MI, Jao J, Hirschhorn AD, Mungovan SF. Preoperative pelvic floor muscle training improves continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Int J Urol 20:986-982, 2013.
- Hirschhorn AD, Kolt GS, Brooks AJ. A multicomponent theory-based intervention improves uptake of pelvic floor muscle training before radical prostatectomy: a before and after cohort study. BJU International 2014:113;383-92.
- Hirschhorn AD, Kolt GS, Brooks AJ. Barriers and enablers to the provision and receipt of preoperative pelvic floor muscle training for men having radical prostatectomy: a qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research 2013:13;305.
We understand that it can be difficult to make time for preparation and training before major surgery – we offer convenient appointment times, with a male physiotherapist, in a male-friendly environment. We use the latest in real-time ultrasound technology to ensure that you are doing your pelvic floor muscle training correctly.
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