In a nutshell
The authors aimed to determine whether solifenacin succinate (VESIcare) could be used to treat voiding dysfunction in patients who underwent prostate surgery.
Some background
Prostate surgery involves surgically removing the prostate gland in prostate cancer patients. In some cases patients may experience side effects such as voiding dysfunction (lack of urinary control which can result in frequent urination, irritation or involuntary urination).
Solifenacin succinate is a drug that is used to reduce the frequency of urination and incontinence (inability to control bodily functions such as urination).
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of solifenacin succinate in treating voiding dysfunction in patients after prostate surgery.
78 patients were used in this study. Patients were separated into two groups – 39 patients in group 1 were given solifenacin succinate and midodrine (Orvaten, ProAmatine – used to treat low blood pressure) and 39 patients in group 2 were given midodrine alone.
Control over urinary function was similar between both groups and did not change at 4 months. Patients in group 1 experienced a larger reduction in the number of daily incontinence pads used (56.4%) compared to patients in group 2 (26.8%). Patients in group 1 experienced a larger reduction in the weight of daily incontinence pads used (59%) compared to patients in group 2 (41.5%).
Incontinence and quality of life scores (a patient's ability to function on a physical, emotional and social level) were significantly worse in group 2 and remained unchanged in group 1. Patients from both group 1 and group 2 experienced a decrease in bladder pressure, however only patients from group 1 experienced longer urine storage and less frequent urination as a result.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that solifenacin succinate can be used to treat incontinence in prostate cancer surgery patients.
The fine print
There was no placebo control (a replacement drug given to patients in a clinical trials in the place of the active drug that allows for comparison) used in this experiment so results may be biased.
What’s next?
If you are suffering from incontinence following prostate surgery, please consult your doctor for the most beneficial treatment available.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Mar 04, 2015
