Lower urinary tract symptoms after radical perineal prostatectomy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common concern for men with localized prostate cancer.
• Radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) is a surgical option for localized prostate cancer.
• Understanding the impact of RPP on LUTS is crucial for patient counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
• To assess changes in LUTS and quality of life (QOL) following RPP in prostate cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study included 117 patients (median age 69) who underwent RPP.
• International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and IPSS QOL questionnaires were administered pre-surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Overall mean total IPSS and IPSS QOL scores significantly decreased 12 months after RPP.
• Patients with moderate to severe LUTS (IPSS ≥ 8) showed the most prominent improvement.
• Men with mild LUTS (IPSS ≤ 7) experienced no significant change, with some reporting worse voiding frequency and nocturia.

Conclusions:

• RPP offers significant benefits for moderate to severe LUTS in prostate cancer patients.
• RPP can adversely affect voiding frequency and nocturia in a subset of patients with mild or no baseline LUTS.
• These findings are vital for informed patient counseling regarding localized prostate cancer treatment options.