[Conservation of erectile function following brachytherapy for low-risk prostate cancer]

Brachytherapy (BT) is an effective option to treat low-risk prostate cancer (CaP). While oncological results are consistent with those reported following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), attention may be given to the advantages in terms of functional results that a less invasive approach can ensure. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the conservation of erectile function (EF) in patients who underwent BT with a short and medium term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Between May 1999 and January 2005, 170 patients underwent BT for low-risk CaP (intracapsular prostate cancer, PSA , 10 ng/mL, Gleason score , 6). Among them, 58 patients (average age 65.6) with good preoperative erectile function (IIEF>22) and a minimum follow-up of 5 years were selected. The results were evaluated by comparing the values of pre- and postoperative IIEF questionnaire at 3 months, 1 and 5 years of medium follow-up. RESULTS. At a mean 3-month follow-up, a spontaneous recovery of EF (IIEF> 17), strongly influenced by urinary irritative disorders, was reported by 34/58 patients (58%). At 1 and 5 years, good EF (IIEF >22) was reported by 45/58 (78%) and 39/58 (68%) patients, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The recovery of EF was good one year after BT (78%). Urinary disorders are a significant limiting factor on this recovery. The deterioration of EF during the follow-up, which was already described in literature, is due not only to ageing but also to a delayed radioactive effect on pelvic structures.