OBJECTIVETo explore the effectiveness and significance of whether electrical acupuncture stimulation combining with pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT) can improve the recovery of urinary continence.

METHODSA total of 109 patients took part in the study of novel combination treatment for urinary continence from September 2008 to September 2009. Patients were divided into study group (n = 40) and control group (n = 69). The patients in study group received electrical acupuncture stimulation therapy combined with PFMT one week after removal the catheter. The patients in control group performed PFMT as the only treatment for post prostatectomy incontinence. The patients were followed up closely, with their clinical characteristics recorded, questionnaires of ICI-Q-SF filled up, and all the data for statistical analysis collected.

RESULTSThere was a significant difference between the study group and the control group in the urinary control curve (P = 0.029). The difference of continence probability between these two groups became greater from 4 weeks after surgery, and the difference reached the peak at 6 weeks (P = 0.023). Then the difference became smaller, and there was no difference at 16 weeks after surgery. ICI-Q-SF questionnaires showed the same results.

CONCLUSIONElectrical acupuncture stimulation therapy combining with PFMT can improve the recovery of patients' urinary continence after radical prostatectomy.