Prostate Cancer & Incontinence
Incontinence is one of the most well-known side effects of prostate cancer surgery, with an estimated 87% of people experiencing urinary incontinence after surgery.
However, focal therapy is less invasive and more targeted, so it gives you more chance of preserving control.
The risks of prostatectomy incontinence
Radical prostatectomy involves the surgical removal of your entire prostate gland. This can cause damage to the nerves and muscles that control your bladder and continence. Your incontinence will be worst right after your surgery and usually improves as your body heals. Around 30% of people will still need at least one pad a day 12 months after their procedure and some men never regain full control of their bladder.
At The Focal Therapy Clinic, we understand how upsetting the idea of this can be for people who are currently living active, full lives.
Barry & Jackie’s Story
How does HIFU work?
Targeted treatments and incontinence
With focal therapy, only the tumour is targeted, not your entire prostate gland. This means that you’re a lot less likely to suffer damage to the critical structures which affect your urinary system and help you control when you need to go to the bathroom.
For example, HIFU destroys your tumour through targeted ultrasound wave and is one of the focal therapies offered at The Focal Therapy Clinic. According to our own research, around 98% of men had no urinary incontinence after a HIFU procedure.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
“…for us, one of the biggest problems was the bladder and that part of it. I think Barry would have been absolutely mortified if he didn’t have bladder control…”
Jackie
Partner of one of our Focal Therapy Clinic patients
Learn more about whether you might be suitable for focal therapy
Any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about your prostate cancer diagnosis or want to know more about HIFU or NanoKnife, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
Contact the team
