Prostate Cancer Survivorship

The symptoms of post-prostatectomy urinary stress incontinence involve the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting. Patients may experience varying degrees of urine leakage, ranging from mild to severe.

Treatment options for post-prostatectomy urinary stress incontinence include pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) to strengthen the muscles that control urinary function. Other non-surgical interventions include the use of absorbent pads or external devices like penile clamps or condom sheath drainage bags. In more severe cases, surgical options such as sling procedures or artificial urinary sphincter implantation may be considered to restore urinary control. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and impact of urinary incontinence on the patient’s quality of life.

The symptoms of post-prostatectomy anastomotic stricture, also known as bladder neck contracture, include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, increased frequency of urination, urinary urgency, and incomplete bladder emptying. Patients may also experience recurrent urinary tract infections.

Treatment options for anastomotic strictures vary depending on the severity and location of the stricture. Non-surgical interventions may include urethral dilation or periodic catheterisation to widen the narrowed area. In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU), or reconstructive surgeries like urethroplasty or bladder neck reconstruction may be necessary to restore proper urinary function. Regular follow-up care and monitoring are essential to manage and address post-prostatectomy anastomotic strictures effectively.

The symptoms of post-prostatectomy bulbar urethral stricture include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, increased frequency of urination, urinary urgency, and straining during urination. Patients may also experience recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary retention.

Treatment options for bulbar urethral strictures depend on the severity and location of the stricture. Non-surgical interventions may include urethral dilation or periodic catheterisation to widen the narrowed area. In more complex cases, surgical procedures such as urethroplasty, which involves reconstructing the affected urethral segment, may be necessary to restore proper urine flow. Regular follow-up care and monitoring are essential to manage and address post-prostatectomy bulbar urethral strictures effectively.

Post-prostatectomy lymphedema refers to the swelling and accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the lower limbs or genital area after surgical removal of the prostate gland and lymph nodes. Symptoms may include swelling, heaviness, tightness, discomfort, or pain in the affected area. Restricted mobility and decreased quality of life may also occur.

Treatment for post-prostatectomy lymphedema typically involves a combination of therapies, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression garments or bandaging, exercise, skin care, and lifestyle modifications. These aim to reduce swelling, improve lymphatic flow, manage symptoms, and enhance overall well-being. It is important for individuals to receive appropriate assessment, education, and ongoing support from healthcare professionals specializing in lymphedema management.

Post-prostatectomy uro-rectal fistula refers to an abnormal connection between the urethra and rectum, leading to the passage of urine into the rectum. Symptoms may include recurrent urinary tract infections, passage of urine or gas through the rectum, faecal incontinence, rectal pain, and discomfort.

Treatment for uro-rectal fistula is extremely complex and requires multidisciplinary care. It typically involves surgical repair, which aims to close the fistula and reconstruct the affected tissues, often with muscle interposition flaps. Faecal and urinary diversion may be necessary to support rectal healing after surgical repair, depending on the severity and location of the fistula. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections. Post-operative Intensive care and regular post-operative monitoring and follow-up are essential to assess healing, manage complications, and optimise outcomes for individuals with uro-rectal fistula.

Post-external beam radiotherapy, radiation proctitis refers to inflammation and damage to the rectal tissues caused by radiation treatment. Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, urgency to defecate, pain or discomfort in the rectal area, and mucus discharge from the rectum.

Treatment for radiation proctitis focuses on managing symptoms and promoting healing. This may involve medications to control diarrhoea, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Dietary modifications, such as increasing fibre intake and avoiding irritants, may be recommended. Advanced interventions like hyperbaric oxygen therapy or endoscopic procedures may be considered for severe cases. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential to assess response to treatment and address any complications.

Post-external beam radiotherapy, erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse after radiation treatment. Symptoms include difficulty in obtaining or sustaining erections, reduced sexual desire, and decreased overall sexual satisfaction.

Treatment for radiation-induced ED varies and may include oral medications like phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra), vacuum erection devices, penile injections, or intraurethral suppositories. Counselling, psychosexual therapy, and lifestyle modifications (such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and smoking cessation) may also be beneficial. It’s important for individuals to discuss their concerns with healthcare providers to explore the most appropriate and effective treatment options for post-radiation ED.

Post-external beam radiotherapy, urinary urge incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine accompanied by a sudden and intense urge to urinate. Symptoms may include frequent urination, sudden urges to urinate, and the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a restroom.

Treatment for post-radiotherapy urinary urge incontinence focuses on managing symptoms and improving bladder control. This may involve lifestyle modifications such as timed voiding, bladder training exercises, and pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels). Medications to relax the bladder muscle or control excessive bladder contractions may be prescribed. In more severe cases, advanced interventions like bladder BOTOX injections may be considered. Regular follow-up and monitoring are important to assess response to treatment and adjust the management plan accordingly.

Post-external beam radiotherapy, prostatic urethral strictures refer to the narrowing of the urethra that can occur as a result of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms may include a weak urine stream, difficulty initiating urination, increased frequency of urination, urinary retention, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Treatment for post-radiotherapy prostatic urethral strictures may involve various interventions, such as urethral dilation to widen the narrowed area, urethrotomy (surgical incision) or resection to remove scarred prostatic tissue. In more severe cases, salvage prostatectomy may be considered but carries a higher risk of complications. Close monitoring and follow-up care are crucial to address any complications and optimise functional outcomes.

Post-external beam radiotherapy, lymphoedema refers to the swelling and accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the affected area due to radiation treatment. Symptoms of lymphoedema may include persistent swelling, heaviness or tightness in the limbs, decreased mobility, discomfort, and skin changes.

Treatment for post-radiotherapy lymphoedema aims to manage symptoms and improve lymphatic flow. This may involve techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy with bandages or garments, exercise programs, and skin care. Additionally, lifestyle modifications like weight management and avoiding activities that exacerbate swelling may be recommended. Regular follow-up and ongoing management are essential to monitor the progression of lymphoedema and optimise treatment outcomes.

Post-external beam radiotherapy, a uro-rectal fistula refers to an abnormal connection between the urinary tract and the rectum, often caused by radiation-induced tissue damage. Symptoms of a uro-rectal fistula may include the passage of urine or gas through the rectum, faecal or urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, rectal pain, and discomfort.

Treatment for uro-rectal fistula after external beam radiotherapy is extremely complex and requires multidisciplinary care. It typically involves surgical repair, which aims to close the fistula and reconstruct the affected tissues. Faecal and urinary diversion may be necessary to support rectal healing after surgical repair, depending on the severity and location of the fistula. The specific surgical approach depends on the size and location of the fistula, but salvage radical prostatectomy may be necessary.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections. Post-operative Intensive care and regular post-operative monitoring and follow-up are essential to assess healing, manage complications, and optimise outcomes for individuals with uro-rectal fistula.

Post-external beam radiotherapy, a uro-symphyseal fistula refers to an abnormal connection between the urinary tract and the symphysis pubis (pelvic bone) due to radiation-induced tissue damage. Symptoms of a uro-symphyseal fistula may include the passage of urine into the pelvic bone, urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and severe debilitating pelvic pain.

Uro-symphyseal fistulas predominantly occur when surgical treatment of an irradiated anastomotic stricture following radical prostatectomy involves the incision or resection of scar tissue. This intervention can lead to the leakage of urine into the pubic bone area, which is within the field of external beam radiotherapy.

Treatment for a uro-symphyseal fistula is extremely complex and requires multidisciplinary care. The specific surgical approach depends on the size and location of the fistula, but in most cases permanent urinary diversion (ileal conduit) is necessary with partial pubectomy and omental interposition. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections. Post-operative Intensive care and regular post-operative monitoring and follow-up are essential to assess healing, manage complications, and optimise outcomes for individuals with uro-symphyseal fistula.

Post-brachytherapy, radiation proctitis refers to inflammation and damage to the rectum caused by radiation treatment. Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, urgency to defecate, pain or discomfort in the rectal area, and mucus discharge from the rectum.

Treatment for radiation proctitis focuses on managing symptoms and promoting healing. This may involve medications to control diarrhoea, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Dietary modifications, such as increasing fibre intake and avoiding irritants, may be recommended. Advanced interventions like hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered for severe cases. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential to assess response to treatment and address any complications.

Post-brachytherapy, erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse after the radiation treatment. Symptoms of post-brachytherapy ED include difficulty in obtaining or sustaining erections, reduced sexual desire, and decreased overall sexual satisfaction.

Treatment options for radiation-induced ED may include oral medications such as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra), vacuum erection devices, penile injections, or intraurethral suppositories. Counselling, psychosexual therapy, and lifestyle modifications (such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and smoking cessation) may also be beneficial. It’s important for individuals to discuss their concerns with healthcare providers to explore the most appropriate and effective treatment options for post-brachytherapy ED.

Post-brachytherapy, urinary urge incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine accompanied by a sudden and intense urge to urinate. Symptoms may include frequent urination, sudden urges to urinate, and the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a restroom.

Treatment for post-brachytherapy urinary urge incontinence focuses on managing symptoms and improving bladder control. This may involve lifestyle modifications such as timed voiding, bladder training exercises, and pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels). Medications to relax the bladder muscle or control excessive bladder contractions may be prescribed. In more severe cases, advanced interventions like sacral nerve stimulation or injectable bulking agents may be considered. Regular follow-up and monitoring are important to assess response to treatment and adjust the management plan accordingly.

Post-brachytherapy, prostatic urethral strictures refer to the narrowing of the urethra that can occur as a result of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms of post-brachytherapy prostatic urethral strictures may include a weak urine stream, difficulty initiating urination, increased frequency of urination, urinary retention, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Treatment for post-brachytherapy prostatic urethral strictures may involve various interventions, such as urethral dilation to widen the narrowed area, urethrotomy (surgical incision), or resection to remove scar tissue to maintain the urethral patency. In more severe cases, salvage radical prostatectomy may be considered to restore normal urinary flow. Close monitoring and follow-up care are crucial to address any complications and optimise treatment outcomes.

Post-brachytherapy, a uro-rectal fistula refers to an abnormal connection between the urinary tract and the rectum, often caused by radiation-induced tissue damage. Symptoms of a uro-rectal fistula may include the passage of urine or gas through the rectum, faecal or urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, rectal pain, and discomfort.

Treatment for uro-rectal fistula after brachytherapy is extremely complex and requires multidisciplinary care. It typically involves surgical repair, which aims to close the fistula and reconstruct the affected tissues. Faecal and urinary diversion may be necessary to support rectal healing after surgical repair, depending on the severity and location of the fistula. The specific surgical approach depends on the size and location of the fistula, but salvage radical prostatectomy may be necessary.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections. Post-operative Intensive care and regular post-operative monitoring and follow-up are essential to assess healing, manage complications, and optimise outcomes for individuals with uro-rectal fistula.

Post-High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) urinary retention refers to the inability to fully empty the bladder after undergoing HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms may include difficulty initiating urination, weak urine flow, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and the need to strain to urinate.

Treatment for post-HIFU urinary retention may involve the use of medications to relax the muscles around the prostate and improve urine flow. In some cases, temporary catheterisation may be required to relieve the immediate obstruction. Close monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential to address urinary retention promptly and provide appropriate interventions to alleviate symptoms and restore normal bladder function.

Post-High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) urinary infections can occur as a potential complication after HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms of urinary infections may include frequent urination, urgency, pain or discomfort during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and lower abdominal or pelvic pain.

Treatment for post-HIFU urinary infections typically involves a course of antibiotics to target the infection-causing bacteria. It is crucial for patients to promptly report any symptoms of a urinary infection to their healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Adequate hydration and completing the prescribed antibiotic regimen are important measures to manage and prevent urinary infections after HIFU treatment.

Post-High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse after undergoing HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms may include difficulty in achieving or maintaining firm erections, reduced sexual desire, and overall dissatisfaction with sexual function.

Treatment options for post-HIFU erectile dysfunction may include oral medications such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis), vacuum erection devices, penile injections, or surgical interventions like penile implants. It is important for patients to discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider, who can provide appropriate counselling, guidance, and treatment options to address post-HIFU erectile dysfunction and improve sexual function and quality of life.

Post-High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine after undergoing HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms may include leakage of urine during physical activity, coughing, sneezing, or an urgent need to urinate. The severity of incontinence can vary from mild to more significant leakage.

Treatment options for post-HIFU urinary incontinence may include pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that control urination, bladder training techniques, lifestyle modifications, and the use of protective pads or absorbent products. In more severe cases, surgical interventions such as the placement of an artificial urinary sphincter or a sling procedure may be considered to improve urinary control and quality of life. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Post-High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) uro-rectal fistula refers to an abnormal connection between the urinary tract and the rectum following HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms may include the passage of urine or gas through the rectum, faecal matter in the urine, urinary or rectal infections, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.

Treatment for uro-rectal fistula after HIFU is extremely complex and requires multidisciplinary care. It typically involves surgical repair, which aims to close the fistula and reconstruct the affected tissues. Faecal and urinary diversion may be necessary to support rectal healing after surgical repair, depending on the severity and location of the fistula. The specific surgical approach depends on the size and location of the fistula, but salvage radical prostatectomy may be necessary.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections. Post-operative Intensive care and regular post-operative monitoring and follow-up are essential to assess healing, manage complications, and optimise outcomes for individuals with uro-rectal fistula.

Post-cryotherapy urinary retention refers to the inability to fully empty the bladder after cryotherapy treatment, a procedure used for treating prostate cancer. Symptoms of urinary retention may include difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, frequent urination, a feeling of incomplete emptying, and the need to strain to urinate.

Treatment options for post-cryotherapy urinary retention may include medications to relax the muscles around the prostate and improve urine flow, catheterization to relieve immediate obstruction, or in some cases, surgical intervention to address any persistent blockage. It is important for patients to report any urinary symptoms to their healthcare provider to receive appropriate evaluation and management.

Post-cryotherapy urinary infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs), can occur as a complication after cryotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms of urinary infections may include frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, pain or discomfort during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and lower abdominal or pelvic pain.

Treatment for post-cryotherapy urinary infections typically involves a course of antibiotics to target the infection-causing bacteria. It is important for patients to promptly report any symptoms of a urinary infection to their healthcare provider to receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Adequate hydration and maintaining good urinary hygiene practices can also help prevent urinary infections after cryotherapy.

Post-cryotherapy erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the difficulty or inability to achieve and maintain an erection after cryotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms may include a decreased ability to achieve or sustain firm erections, reduced sexual desire, and overall dissatisfaction with sexual function.

Treatment options for post-cryotherapy ED may include oral medications such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, penile injections, or surgical interventions like penile implants. It is important for patients to discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider, who can provide appropriate counseling, guidance, and treatment options to address post-cryotherapy erectile dysfunction and improve sexual function and quality of life.

Post-cryotherapy urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine after cryotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms may include leakage of urine during physical activity, coughing, sneezing, or an urgent need to urinate. The severity of incontinence can vary from mild to more significant leakage.

Treatment options for post-cryotherapy urinary incontinence may include pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that control urination, bladder training techniques, lifestyle modifications, and the use of protective pads or absorbent products. In more severe cases, surgical interventions such as the placement of an artificial urinary sphincter or a sling procedure may be considered to improve urinary control and quality of life. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Post-cryotherapy uro-rectal fistula refers to an abnormal connection between the urinary tract and the rectum following cryotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. Symptoms may include the passage of urine or gas through the rectum, faecal matter in the urine, urinary or rectal infections, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.

Treatment for uro-rectal fistula after cryotherapy is extremely complex and requires multidisciplinary care. It typically involves surgical repair, which aims to close the fistula and reconstruct the affected tissues. Faecal and urinary diversion may be necessary to support rectal healing after surgical repair, depending on the severity and location of the fistula. The specific surgical approach depends on the size and location of the fistula, but salvage radical prostatectomy may be necessary.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections. Post-operative Intensive care and regular post-operative monitoring and follow-up are essential to assess healing, manage complications, and optimise outcomes for individuals with uro-rectal fistula.