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Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: May 19, 2022
[Salvage radical prostatectomy for recurrent prostate cancer. Morbidity, oncological and functional results]
Introduction:
Salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP) for radiorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa) is a challenging procedure. To report our experience with sRP for selected patients with local recurrence after primary treatment for localised PCa.
Methods:
From 2005 to 2015, 24 patients underwent sRP for recurrent PCa in our center and were included in this retrospective study. Local recurrence was suspected by PSA increase>nadir+2ng/mL and was confirmed by biopsy. Perioperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification, oncological and functional results were analysed.
Results:
Overall, 24 patients with a median age of 59 years (IQR: 55-60) were included. Median follow-up was 25 months (IQR: 9-26). Procedures were performed with open-retropubic approach in 50 % and robot-assisted laparoscopic approach in 50 %. Overall, 5 (21 %) and 2 (8 %) patients experienced grade≤IIIa and grade≥IIIb postoperative complication, respectively. Surgical margins were positive in 46 % of cases. Three out of 4 patients with postoperatively detectable PSA (>0.2ng/mL) had positive surgical margins. Seven patients experienced biochemical recurrence in a median delay of 19 months (9-62). Seventy-one percent (5) of these patients experienced clinical recurrence in a median delay of 24 months (10-113). Severe urinary incontinence (≥3 pads/day) and erectile dysfunction were reported in 25 % and 63 %, respectively.
Conclusion:
sRP for patients is a feasible procedure with encouraging local control rate and acceptable morbidity. This technique should be discussed as a treatment option for locally recurrent PCa in well-selected patients.
Level Of Evidence:
4.

