Effects of nerve-sparing procedures on bowel function after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A longitudinal...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a common treatment for prostate cancer.
• Post-operative rectal pain and bowel dysfunction are significant concerns for patients undergoing RARP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of nerve-sparing (NS) techniques during RARP on rectal pain and bowel function.
• To compare bowel function outcomes between patients who underwent NS procedures and those who did not.

Main Methods:

• A total of 296 patients undergoing RARP were divided into NS and non-NS groups.
• Bowel function was assessed using the Extended Prostate Cancer Index Composite over 24 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Patients in the non-NS group experienced significantly greater impairment in bowel function and rectal urgency at 1-6 months post-RARP compared to the NS group (p < 0.05).
• Multivariate analysis confirmed that the degree of nerve-sparing was the sole significant factor influencing bowel function at 6 months post-RARP.

Conclusions:

• Bowel symptoms are notably impaired in the early period following RARP.
• The extent of nerve-sparing during RARP significantly affects the degree of bowel symptom impairment.
• These findings can assist patients in making informed decisions regarding RARP procedures and potential outcomes.