Jabs of tummy fat can reduce incontinence in men following prostate surgery

Scientists are using stem cells extracted from abdominal fat Injections reduced leakage by up to 60 per cent Treatment involves taking fat from the tummy using liposuction Extracted stem cells from the fat are then injected into the patient

By Roger Dobson for the Daily Mail

Published: 18:37 EST, 19 January 2015 | Updated: 18:48 EST, 19 January 2015

Researchers are using injections of belly fat to treat incontinence in men following prostate surgery.

Early research suggests the treatment - using stem cells extracted from abdominal fat - reduced leakage by up to 60 per cent, with results being seen within days of the injections.

The scientists say the therapy may also work for female incontinence.

Fat tissue, especially around the abdomen, has higher concentrations of stem cells compared with other sites

Prostate surgery carries the risk of damaging nerves and muscles surrounding the gland, leading to complications such as impotence and incontinence.

Around one in five men is thought to suffer mild long-term leakage following the removal of their prostate, while one in 20 suffers more serious problems.

Stress incontinence is the most common type after surgery. Sufferers leak urine when they cough, laugh, sneeze or exercise, often because of problems with the muscular valve - the bladder sphincter - that keeps urine in the bladder.

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Jabs of tummy fat can reduce incontinence in men following prostate surgery