Initial assessment of male non-neurogenic incontinence: systematic review of the literature by the LUTS committee of the French Urological Association

To perform an update on the initial evaluation of male urinary incontinence (MUI). A systematic review was conducted using Pubmed/Medline from 1995 to 2013. Definition of MUI and its prevalence is variable according its definition and the population. Tools for its evaluation have been mainly studied in female population or only in patients with UI after radical prostatectomy. Objectives of the initial evaluation are to assess the type of incontinence, to evaluate its severity and the bother associated, and define the choice of treatment. Medical history, clinical assessment, and urine analysis are the first steps of the evaluation. Bladder diary, questionnaires and pad test can be useful to evaluate MUI. Post-void residual volume assessment is necessary if lower urinary tract symptoms are associated. Imaging is not routinely used in MUI. A specialist referral and further investigations such as urethrocystoscopy and urodynamics should be considered in case of invasive treatment, recurrent incontinence and specific situations. Initial assessment of MUI should be sequential with systematic investigations and optional ones.