In a nutshell
This study assessed whether robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) improves lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). The data showed an improvement in LUTS and QoL in patients with previously moderate or severe LUTS, 12 months after RARP.
Some background
PCa is commonly associated with LUTS and lower QoL. LUTS include frequent urination, urgency, intermittent voiding of urine, incomplete bladder emptying, and urination at night (nocturia).
RARP is a surgical option for patients with PCa. It involves the surgical removal of the prostate with robotic hands. Limited studies are available that evaluate improvements in LUTS and QoL after RARP, particularly for patients with moderate or severe LUTS.
Methods & findings
The study involved 5506 patients with PCa and LUTS that underwent RARP. LUTS and QoL were evaluated through questionnaires before and after RARP. Patients were followed for 12 months.
Of the 5506 patients, 58% of patients had no or mild LUTS, 37% had moderate LUTS and 5.3% had severe LUTS. 90% of patients could hold in their urine (were continent) 12 months after the surgery. There were significant improvements in LUTS and QoL in patients with mild, moderate, and severe LUTS 12 months after RARP.
Younger age, lower weight, more severe LUTS, greater prostate weight, and urinary continence recovery were associated with higher improvements after RARP in patients with previously moderate to severe LUTS.
The bottom line
The study showed that a substantial number of patients with previously moderate to severe LUTS had marked improvements in LUTS and QoL 12 months after RARP.
The fine print
The study used data from a single, highly specialized medical center. Also, no objective measure of urinary problems were used.
Published By :
Scientific reports
Date :
Aug 18, 2021
