Changes in continence and erectile function between 2 and 4 years after radical prostatectomy.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Radical prostatectomy is a common treatment for localized prostate cancer.
• Information on functional recovery (continence and erectile function) beyond two years post-surgery is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate changes in urinary continence and erectile function between two and four years after radical prostatectomy.
• To provide data for improved patient counseling regarding long-term functional outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 731 men undergoing open retropubic radical prostatectomy.
• Continence and erectile function assessed using the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index.
• Follow-up questionnaires captured changes between 24 and 48 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Between 24 and 48 months, 23.4% and 42.3% of men reported improvement in continence and erectile function, respectively.
• 12.2% and 19.8% experienced marked/moderate improvement in continence and erectile function.
• Improvement in erectile function was more likely in men potent at 24 months.

Conclusions:

• Clinically significant improvements in urinary control and erectile function occur beyond two years post-radical prostatectomy.
• Improvements are most notable for erectile function in men who were potent at two years.
• Patient counseling should reflect that maximal functional recovery may extend beyond 24 months.