To prove the effectiveness of puboprostatic ligament-preserving robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical (RARP) on enhancing early continence.
Ninety-two patients with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate scheduled for RARP from April 2018 to January 2019 were prospectively single-blinded and randomized into two groups, standard RARP (Group A) and puboprostatic ligament-sparing RARP (Group B). The outcomes were continent status at Foley catheter removal and 3 months after surgery using the score from the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), pad usage, pathological margin status, blood loss, operative time, and complications.
Ninety-six patients were randomized (46 patients in each group), with a mean±SD age of 67.30±6.07 years. There were no differences in baseline characteristics. At 3 months after surgery, ICIQ-UI SF score (mean±SD) in Group A was significantly higher than Group B (8.74±4.28 vs. 6.93±3.96, p=0.038) but no difference at Foley catheter removal. Group A also had a significant higher score for interference with daily life (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 4 [1, 5] vs. 2 [0, 4]; p=0.041) and higher pad use (median [IQR]: 2 [0, 3] vs. 1 [1, 2]; p=0.041) at 3 months. One case in Group A had complete or severe incontinence (>5 pads/day) at 3 months. Groups A and B did not exhibit significant difference in margin status (p=0.828). There were no differences in operative time, blood loss, drain output or complications.
Use of puboprostatic ligament-sparing RARP could be a method to accelerate early continence without affecting the final oncological outcome.
Asian journal of urology. 2020 Nov 07 [Epub]
Wattanachai Ratanapornsompong, Suthep Pacharatakul, Premsant Sangkum, Chareon Leenanupan, Wisoot Kongcharoensombat
Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand., Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Police Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.