NCT06179654 · The Cleveland Clinic
Preoperative Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy to Minimize Stress Urinary Incontinence After Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to allow us to assess the effectiveness (or success) of starting pelvic floor physical therapy (i.e. exercises for your pelvic muscles) prior to HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation of the prostate) surgery for enlarged prostates in order to manage or prevent urinary incontinence (i.e. leaking) after surgery (i.e. post-operatively).
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to allow us to assess the effectiveness (or success) of starting pelvic floor physical therapy (i.e. exercises for your pelvic muscles) prior to HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation of the prostate) surgery for enlarged prostates in order to manage or prevent urinary incontinence (i.e. leaking) after surgery (i.e. post-operatively). Your pelvic floor refers to the muscles under your bladder along your pelvic bones that prevent you from leaking urine or stool. Traditionally, pelvic floor physical therapy is started after surgery and continued until urinary continence (i.e. no leaking of urine) is regained. We want to assess if beginning pelvic floor physical therapy prior to surgery (and continuing afterwards) reduces the time required to regain urinary continence following HoLEP.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age: \>=18 years of age
- Sex: male sex assigned at birth (needs to have a prostate)
- BMI: all BMI
- Ethnic background: all ethnicities
- Medical history: patients scheduled to undergo HoLEP for BPH/LUTS and associated complications (i.e. gross hematuria, retention, etc.).
Exclusion criteria
- Neurological disorders: patients with a history of a neurologic disorder that could affect muscle function, neurogenic bladder, lumbosacral spine pathology
- Specific urologic conditions: patients with pre-operative indwelling catheter, urethral stricture greater than 1 centimeter in length or requiring dilation/incision, indwelling ureteral stent
- History of pelvic radiation: patient with prior pelvic radiation will be excluded
- Patients unable to give consent
- Non-English speaking patients given the need for multiple surveys and telephone follow-ups.
Where
- Cleveland, Ohio
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 21, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations