Intramuscular dyscoordination of pelvic floor after radical prostatectomy

Urinary stress incontinence after radical prostatectomy could be cured by physiotherapy in a high percentage. We developed an investigation procedure for description of myoelectrical activity of pelvic floor with 8 surface electrodes (4-channel, bipolar montage). Ten patients were studied one day before, ten days and six months after radical prostatectomy. Significant changes of amplitude and frequency characteristics could not be found in rest and during the stationary intervals of maximal contraction. But after the operation in all patients changed the activation pattern within the interval of increasing muscle contraction. The mean and median frequency decreased (Friedman-test, p<0.001). Changes were interpreted as a problem of intramuscular coordination. After physiotherapy urinary incontinence was cured or improved. The typical activation pattern of dyscoordination was not more evident after six months.