In a nutshell
This article investigated urinary function in elderly vs younger men following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for aggressive prostate cancer (PC).
The authors concluded that regardless of age, there was an improvement in urinary function after the surgery.
Some background
Aggressive prostate cancer is commonly treated with prostate surgery (radical prostatectomy; RP). One type of RP involves using a robot to remove the prostate gland. This is called robot-assisted RP (RARP). However, elderly men (>70 years) may be refused this therapy due to higher risks. Elderly men commonly have associated other medical conditions that increase the risks of RP. One concern after RP is the return of control over the bladder. It is not known if urinary function recovers the same in elderly compared to younger patients treated with RARP.
Methods & findings
The study involved 350 male patients with aggressive PC. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 inluded 263 men younger than 70. Group 2 included 87 men of 70 years and older. The main outcome measured was the time from the surgery to the recovery of urinary function.
In group 2, urinary function (no urine leakage) was recovered in 66% of patients at 12 months. This rate was similar in group 1 (71%). After 2 years, urinary function was recovered by 79% of group 2 and 81% of group 1. After 3 years, urinary function was recovered by 83% in group 2 and 85% in group 1.
The bottom line
The authors concluded there were no differences in recovery of urinary function after RARP in elderly vs younger men with aggressive PC.
The fine print
In this study were included patients treated at one single clinic. Surgical protocols might vary between hospitals and doctors. This might influence the results.
Published By :
World Journal of Urology
Date :
May 11, 2019
