Ultrapreservation in Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Provides Early Continence Recovery

We aimed to evaluate oncological and functional results of the ultrapreservation anterior-sparing technique in patients with localized prostate cancer.

In this single-center study, patients with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer, who were treated with the ultrapreservation anterior-sparing technique, were included retrospectively. The oncological and functional outcomes were recorded. After the functional and pathological evaluation in the first month, patients' prostate-specific antigen levels were followed, as well as continence and potency status bimonthly for one year. Continence is defined as no leakage and zero pads for security. Patients' potency was evaluated using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men, with ≥ 17 considered potent.

A total of 118 patients were included in the study. The pathological stage was pT2 in 78% (n = 92) of patients, with pT3 in 22% (n = 26). Surgical margin positivity occurred in 13.5% (n = 16) of patients. No complications were observed intraoperatively. Continence rates were 25.4% after catheter removal, rising to 88.9% in the first month, 91.5% in the third, 93.2% in the fifth, and 95.7% a year later. Thirty-five (40%) of 86 potent patients were potent in the first postoperative month, 48 patients (55.8%) were potent in the third month, and 58 patients (67.4%) were potent in the twelfth. The total complication rate was 8.4%, with no major complications observed.

The ultrapreservation anterior-sparing technique for patients with prostate cancer shows safe, acceptable functional and oncological results in short-term follow-up. However, long-term comparative studies with a larger number of patients are needed.