What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate perceptions and practices regarding pelvic health physiotherapy for managing urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

February 5, 2026

(O-08) Physiotherapy in male pelvic health after prostate Cancer surgery: a cross-sectional analysis of Brazilian clinical practice

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate perceptions and practices regarding pelvic health physiotherapy for managing urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
Conducted a nationwide cross-sectional observational study in Brazil
Distributed structured questionnaires to urologists and physiotherapists
Assessed practices regarding pre- and postoperative physiotherapy and referral patterns
72.65% of urologists did not recommend preoperative physiotherapy
56.15% of physiotherapists offered treatment before surgery, focusing on pelvic floor muscle training
97.09% of urologists referred patients to physiotherapy post-surgery, primarily within two months
45.38% of physiotherapists began treatment one to two months after surgery
Significant discrepancies exist between urologists and physiotherapists on patient concerns

Abstract

Abstract Introduction After radical prostatectomy (RP), there may be urinary incontinence (UI) that directly impacts the patient’s quality of life. Purpose To evaluate the perceptions and clinical practices of Brazilian urologists and physiotherapists regarding the role of pelvic health physiotherapy in the management of UI following RP. Materials and Methods This was a nationwide, cross-sectional observational study. Two structured questionnaires were distributed electronically to urologists affiliated with the Brazilian Society of Urology and physiotherapists affiliated with the Brazilian Association of Physical Therapy in Women’s Health. The surveys assessed pre- and postoperative physiotherapy practices, referral patterns, treatment modalities, and professional interaction. Results A total of 585 urologists and 240 physiotherapists participated. Most urologists (72.65%) did not recommend preoperative physiotherapy, whereas 56.15% of physiotherapists reported treating patients before RP, primarily using pelvic floor muscle training. Postoperatively, 97.09% of urologists referred patients to physiotherapy, mostly within the first two months after surgery. Among physiotherapists, 45.38% initiated treatment one to two months postoperatively. Urologists and physiotherapists differed in their perceptions of patient concerns: 90.94% of urologists identified erectile dysfunction as the most feared complication, while 87.67% of physiotherapists reported that both erectile dysfunction and UI were equally feared, only 37.26% of urologists reported receiving regular feedback from physiotherapists. Conclusions There is a consensus on the importance of postoperative physiotherapy, and discrepancies regarding preoperative care and interdisciplinary communication. Strategies to integrate pelvic physiotherapy into perioperative care for men undergoing RP are necessary to optimize functional outcomes. Financing No conflict.

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