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Aims Individualized information about the risk of incontinence after prostatectomy could help patients in shared decision‐making. Methods We compared a historical control cohort (n = 254; between June 2016 and 2017) that received standardized information about the risk of incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with a prospective patient cohort (n = 254; between June 2017 and May 2018) that received individualized information of the chance of recovery of incontinence within 6 months postoperatively based on the continence prediction tool (CPRED). We measured switch in treatment choice, health‐related quality of life (QoL) in both cohorts and the accuracy of the CPRED tool. Results Patients in the individualized information group with RARP as initial preference switched more often to another treatment than patients who received standardized information (16% vs. 5%; p = 0.001). Patients in the individualized information group with a high risk of incontinence and with RARP as initial preference switched more often to other treatments than patients in intermediate/low risk of incontinence (35% vs. 9.8%; p = 0.001). Patients with a low risk of incontinence choosing RARP after individualized information were less likely to use more than one diaper a day at any time postoperative (p = 0.001) compared to men with an intermediate/high incontinence risk. Overall QoL was worse in patients with incontinence than patients with continence 6 and 12 months after RARP (respectively; p

Background Preservation of erectile function is an important postoperative quality of life concern for patients after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer. Although erectile function may recover, many men continue to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). Aim This study aims to determine whether satisfaction with sexual life improves in patients with ED after RARP and which factors are associated with satisfaction during follow-up. Methods A review was carried out of a prospectively maintained database of patients with prostate cancer who underwent a RARP between 2006 and 2019. The “International Index of Erectile Function” questionnaire was used to describe ED (range 5-25), overall satisfaction with sexual life and sexual desire (range for both: 2-10). Patients with ED due to RARP were compared with those without ED after RARP. Mixed effect model was used to test differences in satisfaction over time. Mann-Whitney U tests and multiple logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with being satisfied at 24 and 36 months. Outcomes The main outcomes of this study are the overall satisfaction with sexual life score over time and factors which influence sexual satisfaction. Results Data of 2808 patients were reviewed. Patients whose erectile function was not known (n = 643) or who had ED at the baseline (n = 1281) were excluded. About 884 patients were included for analysis. They had an overall satisfaction score of 8.4. Patients with ED due to RARP had mean overall satisfaction scores of 4.8, 4.8, 4.9, and 4.6 at 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo, and 36 mo. These scores were significantly lower than those of patients without ED at every time point. In multiple regression analysis, higher overall satisfaction score at the baseline and higher sexual desire at 24 and 36 months' follow-up were associated with satisfaction with sexual life at 24 and 36 months’ follow-up. No association was found for erectile function. Clinical implications Interventions focusing on adjustment to the changes in sexual functioning might improve sexual satisfaction; especially for those men who continue to suffer from ED. Strengths & Limitations Strengths of this study are the large number of patients, time of follow-up, and use of multiple validated questionnaires. Our results must be interpreted within the limits of retrospectively collected, observational data. Conclusion Satisfaction with sexual life in men with ED due to RARP may take a long time to improve. One could counsel patients that sexual satisfaction is based on individual baseline sexual satisfaction and the return of sexual desire after RARP. Albers LF, Tillier CN, van Muilekom HAM, et al. Sexual Satisfaction in Men Suffering From Erectile Dysfunction After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: An Observational Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:339–346.

Purpose The updated Winter nomogram is the only nomogram predicting lymph node invasion (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients based on sentinel node (SN) dissection (sLND). The aim of the study was to externally validate the Winter nomogram and examine its performance in patients undergoing extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND), ePLND combined with SN biopsy (SNB) and sLND only. The results were compared with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and updated Briganti nomograms. Methods This retrospective study included 1183 patients with localized PCa undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) combined with pelvic lymphadenectomy and 224 patients treated with sLND and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), aiming to offer pelvic radiotherapy only in case of histologically positive SNs. In the RARP population, ePLND was applied in 956 (80.8%) patients,while 227 (19.2%) patients were offered ePLND combined with additional SNB. Results The median numbers of removed nodes were 10 (interquartile range, IQR = 6-14), 15 (IQR = 10-20) and 7 (IQR = 4-10) in the ePLND, ePLND + SNB, and sLND groups, respectively. Corresponding LNI rates were 16.6%, 25.5% and 42%. Based on the AUC, the performance of the Briganti nomogram (0.756) in the ePLND group was superior to both the MSKCC (0.744) and Winter nomogram (0.746). The Winter nomogram, however, was the best predictor of LNI in both the ePLND + SNB (0.735) and sLND (0.709) populations. In the calibration analysis, all nomograms showed better accuracy in the low/intermediate risk patients, while in the high-risk population, an overestimation of the risk for LNI was observed. Conclusion The SN-based updated nomogram showed better prediction in the SN population. The results were also comparable, relative to predictive tools developed with (e)PLND, suggesting a difference in sampling accuracy between SNB and non-SNB. Patients who benefit most from the nomogram would be those with a low/intermediate risk of LN metastasis.

Information about prostate cancer patients’ experiences with their treatment is crucial to optimize shared decision-making. This study examined unmet expectations in prostate cancer patients and their association with decision regret. We conducted a prospective, observational, multi-center study of men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 2014 and 2016. Questionnaires were completed at baseline (pre-treatment), and up to 12 months after treatment. Unmet expectations were reported as the proportion of patients who experienced side effects as worse than expected. Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with unmet expectations and its association with decision regret. At 1-year follow-up, the majority of the patients (71%, 210/296) reported at least one unmet expectation. The proportion of patients who reported worse than expected erectile problems was 56%, recovery period = 29%, urinary problems = 28%, fatigue = 24%, and bowel problems = 17%. Unmet expectations were comparable between treatment groups, except for fatigue. A passive role in the decision-making process (eta squared (η2) = 0.02) and higher scores on the decisional conflict scale (η2 = 0.02) were associated with more unmet expectations, and unmet expectations were associated with decision regret (η2 = 0.08). Unmet expectations are common among men treated for localized prostate cancer. Involving patients in the treatment decision-making process and offering additional counseling to patients who indicate uncertainty about their decision, may help to avoid unmet expectations. The current study emphasizes the need for involving prostate cancer patients in the decision-making process in order to mitigate unmet expectations.

The role of a cystogram to assess the vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been debated. Early catheter removal without cystogram was reported to be associated with a trend towards an increased risk of acute urinary retention (AUR). In two cohorts we studied the effects of VUA leakage on cystogram and functional outcome after RARP. Cohort A contained 1390 consecutive men that routinely underwent a cystogram after RARP. Transurethral catheter (TUC) was removed in the absence of VUA leakage or minimal leakage on subsequent repeat cystogram. Outcome was compared to a group of 120 men that underwent cystography 7-10 days after RARP but had the TUC removed independent of cystography findings (cohort B). Outcome was assessed by early clinical follow-up and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires at 6 months. Men in cohort B had an increased risk of AUR and 6 months voiding complaints when compared to cohort A. The incidence of AUR and voiding complaints was associated with grade 2-3 leakage on cystography in cohort B but not in cohort A. Grade 2-3 leakage on cystogram was more likely in men with larger prostates larger and preoperative voiding complaints. Selective cystogram in men with larger prostates and preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may prevent early AUR and voiding complaints after RARP when prolonged TUC use is applied.

Objective To investigate the association between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patterns, classified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or continence, preoperatively and after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 49 prostate cancer patients, with prostate size >47 cm3, who underwent an endorectal MRI followed by RARP. Five BPH patterns were identified according to Wasserman, and additional prostate measurements were recorded. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score and the PR25-LUTS-Questionnaire score. Continence was assessed using the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. Results BPH pattern 3 (44.9%) was identified most common, followed by pattern 5 (26.6%), 1 (24.5%), and 2 and 4 (both 2%). BPH patterns were significant predictors of preoperative LUTS, with pedunculated with bilateral transition zone (TZ) and retrourethral enlargement (pattern 5) causing more severe symptoms compared with bilateral TZ and retrourethral enlargement (pattern 3) and bilateral TZ enlargement (pattern 1), whereas pattern 3 was additionally associated with more voiding symptoms compared with pattern 1. None of the BPH patterns was predictive of postoperative LUTS and continence. Independent predictors of continence at 12 months were lower preoperative PR25-LUTS score (P = .022) and longer membranous urethral length (P = .025). Conclusion MRI is useful for classifying patients in BPH patterns which are strongly associated with preoperative LUTS. However, BPH patterns did not predict remnant LUTS or postoperative incontinence. Postoperative continence status was only associated with preoperative LUTS and membranous urethra length.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with mental health (MH) problems in prostate cancer (PC) survivors. Toward this end, we evaluated (1) differences in the prevalence of MH problems between PC survivors and age-matched men from the general population (GenPop) and (2) correlates of MH in PC survivors and the GenPop.METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this observational case-control study, we age-matched PC survivors (n = 644, alive≥5y after diagnosis of a stage I-IV carcinoma) recruited from Dutch community hospitals (Patient Reported Outcomes Following Initial treatment and Long-term Evaluation of Survivorship registry) with GenPop peers (n = 644) selected from a population-based sample recruited in general practices (NIVEL). MH was operationalized using the 5-item Mental Health Inventory of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Potential correlates of MH included sociodemographic characteristics, health-related quality of life scores, and clinical characteristics (PC survivors only). We used analysis of (co)variance and chi-square tests to address the 2 research questions.RESULTS: We observed clinically relevant MH symptoms in 14% of the PC survivors and 6% of the GenPop controls (PCONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that long-term PC survivors have poorer MH, as assessed by the 5-item Mental Health Inventory questionnaire, than men of a comparable age from the GenPop without a history of PC. Attention to potentially modifiable factors associated with MH problems in PC survivors, such as urinary function and its related bother, bodily pain, and sexual satisfaction, may help to prevent or limit MH problems in this survivor population.

Background: Ultrasensitive prostate-specific antigen (USPSA) is useful for stratifying patients according to their USPSA-based risk. Aim of our study was to determine the usefulness of USPSA as predictor of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: This retrospective study included 213 prostate cancer patients who had a postoperative USPSA between 0.01 and 0.2 ng/mL and at least 2 years of follow-up. We developed predictive models for BCR with PSA ≥0.2 and ≥0.5 ng/mL. Results: A total of 103 patients (48.3%) had BCR at a median follow-up of 13.3 months. Higher postoperative USPSA (odds ratio [OR] = 4.73, P

Well-documented reports of patients' experiences with different treatments are important for helping localised prostate cancer (LPC) patients choose among the available treatment options.To document differences in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), brachytherapy (BT), and active surveillance (AS), and to evaluate how these PROs and other factors are associated with treatment decision regret.A prospective, observational, multicentre study of men diagnosed with LPC (stage cT1-2) during 2014-2016.Patients completed validated PRO measures (Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 [QLQ-C30], Quality of Life Questionnaire prostate cancer-specific module [QLQ-PR25], Decision Regret Scale, and the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer) before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12mo after treatment. Mixed-effect models were used to describe different PRO patterns.The analytic cohort included 434 men (AS=32%; RP=45%; EBRT=12%; BT=10%). Follow-up response rates were above 90%. At 1-yr follow-up, (1) men who had received RP reported significantly (p0.01) more urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, hormonal/masculinity-related symptoms, and less emotional distress; (2) those having received EBRT reported more sexual dysfunction, hormonal/masculinity-related symptoms, and physical distress; and (3) those having received BT reported more urinary obstruction and irritation symptoms, compared with patients under AS. Irrespective of the treatment modality, 23% of the patients reported clinically relevant treatment regret (99% confidence interval, 17-28%). Multivariate correlates of decision regret were hormonal/masculinity-related symptoms, educational level, and positive surgical margins.Post-treatment physical and psychosocial functioning was significantly associated with specific treatment modalities and pretreatment functioning. Regret was relatively frequently reported by patients who experienced unwanted physical, psychosocial, and oncological outcomes. Greater efforts should be made to understand whether carefully educating patients about the possible consequences and effectiveness of treatments may help limit the feeling of treatment regret.In men with localised prostate cancer, regret about the treatment choice was more common among those who experienced more treatment-related symptoms during the year after treatment.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to 1) describe preferred and experienced roles in treatment decision making among patients with localized prostate cancer, 2) identify how often the roles experienced by patients matched their preferred roles and 3) determine whether active involvement in decision making regardless of role preferences or concordance between preferred and experienced roles would be the strongest predictor of more favorable patient reported outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, multicenter, observational study we obtained serial questionnaire data from 454 patients with newly diagnosed, localized prostate cancer (cT1-cT2, or Gleason 7 or less and prostate specific antigen 20 ng/ml or less). Questionnaires were completed prior to treatment and at the 3, 6 and 12-month posttreatment followups. Clinical data were obtained from the patient medical records. Active involvement and role concordance were operationalized using the CPS (Control Preferences Scale). ANOVA and effect sizes (small and medium Cohen d = 0.2 and 0.5, respectively) were used to compare patient knowledge of prostate cancer, decision conflict, decision regret and overall health related quality of life. Results: Of the patients 393 (87%) reported having been actively involved in treatment decision making. However, 78 patients (17%) indicated having had less or more involvement than preferred. Active involvement was significantly associated with more prostate cancer knowledge (d = 0.30), less decision conflict (d = 0.52) and less decision regret (d = 0.34). Role concordance was also but less strongly associated with less decision conflict (d = 0.41). Conclusions: Our findings support a policy of encouraging all patients with localized prostate cancer regardless of their stated role preferences to be actively involved in the treatment decision.

To determine the value of gallium-68-prostate-specific membrane antigen (We analysed results of 140 men with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. All men underwentIn these 140 patients with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, 27.1% had PSMA PET/CT-positive findings in the pelvic LNs. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of LN metastases were 53% and 88% (PSMA PET/CT) and 14% and 99% (mpMRI), respectively. The overall BCP rate was 25.7%. The BCP rate was 16.7% in men who were PSMA PET/CT LN-negative compared to 50% in men who were PSMA PET/CT LN-positive (P 0.05). The presence of PSMA-positive pelvic LNs was more predictive of BCP after RP than cT-stage, PSA level, and the Gleason score, adjusted for surgical margins status.

To determine the correlation of preoperative fascia thickness (FT) and intraoperative fascia preservation (FP) with erectile function (EF) after nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Our analysis included 106 patients, with localized prostate cancer and no erectile dysfunction (ED) before RARP, assessed with preoperative 3 Tesla (3 T) multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). FP score was defined as the extent of FP from the base to the apex of the prostate, quantitatively assessed by the surgeon. Median fascia thickness (MFT) per patient was defined as the sum of the median FT of 12 MRI regions. Preserved MFT (pMFT) was the sum of the saved MFT. The percentage of pFMT (ppMFT) was also calculated. Fascia surface (FS) was measured on MRI and it was combined with FP score resulting in preserved FS (pFS) and percentage of pFS (ppFS). FP score, pMFT, ppMFT, pFS and ppFS were significantly lower (p

Objectives To assess localized prostate cancer (PC) patients’ understanding of the differences in outcomes and risks of radical prostatectomy (RP), radiotherapy (RT), and active surveillance (AS), and to identify correlates of misperceptions. Patients And Methods We used baseline data (questionnaires completed after treatment information was provided but prior to treatment) of 426 newly diagnosed localized PC patients who participated (87% response rate) in a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study. Patients’ pretreatment perceptions of differences in adverse outcomes of treatments were compared to those based on the literature. We used univariate and multivariate linear regression to identify correlates of misperceptions. Results Approximately two-third (68%, n=211) of the patients did not understand that the risk of disease recurrence is comparable between RP and RT. More than half of the patients did not comprehend that RP patients are at greater risk for incontinence (65%, n=202) and erectile dysfunction (61%, n=190), and less at risk for bowel problems (53%, n=211) compared to RT patients. Many patients overestimated the risk of requiring definitive treatment following AS (45%, n=157), and did not understand that mortality rates following AS, RP, and RT are comparable (80%, n=333). Consulting a radiotherapist or a clinical nurse specialist was positively associated with, and emotional distress was negatively associated with better understanding of the risks (p

Aims To determine whether preoperative prostate/pelvic anatomical structures and intraoperative fascia preservation (FP) predict continence recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods Between January 2012 and March 2016, 439 prostate cancer (PCa) patients with normal preoperative continence were retrospectively included. FP score was defined as the extent of FP from base to apex of the prostate, quantitatively assessed by the surgeon. Anatomical prostate structures were measured on endorectal preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was used to assess urinary incontinence (UI). Cox analysis was used to determine predictive factors for early continence recovery. Finally a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to develop a risk calculator. Results At a median follow up of 12.1 months 50.8% of men reported UI. In the Cox multivariate analysis longer membranous urethral length (MUL; P

Objective To assess the incidence and efficacy of salvage radiotherapy (SRT) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). RARP has been linked to an increased use of adjuvant treatments. If RARP would result in an increased local recurrence rate, response rates to SRT could be expected to be better after RARP than after more conventional methods of prostatectomy. The incidence and efficacy of SRT in a RARP population were compared with nomogram prediction. Methods Patient data were prospectively registered. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≥0.1 ng/mL. SRT was offered to men with BCR after RARP. The Stephenson nomogram predictions were compared with outcome after SRT. Results Of 1087 men, 157 (14.4%) received SRT for BCR or persistent PSA levels during a median follow-up of 1078 days after RARP. Median PSA level before SRT was 0.2 ng/mL. Three-year BCR-free rate was 64% for men after SRT. pN (pNx, pN0, pN1) and PSA level before SRT were independent predictors of the BCR interval after SRT. Men with more extensive fascia preservation were more likely to respond favorably to SRT. The Stephenson nomogram prediction showed a concordance rate of 0.66 in this RARP population. Limitations of the study are the retrospective design and limited follow-up duration. Conclusion In our RARP series, the use and efficacy of SRT were comparable with open prostatectomy series. The Stephenson nomogram reliably predicted outcome in patients with RARP with SRT, suggesting that similar characteristics predict response to SRT after RARP compared with open prostatectomy.

Background The impact of salvage radiotherapy (SRT) and its timing on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in prostate cancer patients is still unclear. Objective To compare the HRQoL of patients who underwent SRT with that of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) only and to investigate whether SRT timing is associated with HRQoL. Design, setting, and participants All SRT patients (n = 241) and all RP-only patients (n = 1005) were selected from a prospective database (2004–2015). The database contained HRQoL and prostate problem assessments up to 2 yr after last treatment. Outcome measurement and statistical analysis Mixed effects growth modelling adjusting for significant differences in patient characteristics and baseline HRQoL was used to analyze the association between: (1) “treatment” (RP-only vs SRT) and (2) “timing of SRT” with changes in HRQoL. Results and limitations SRT patients showed significantly (p < 0.05) poorer recovery from urinary, bowel, and erectile function after their last treatment (clinically meaningful difference for urinary and erectile function). Patients with a longer interval (≥ 7 mo) between RP and SRT reported significantly better sexual satisfaction after SRT (p = 0.02), and a better urinary function recovery (p = 0.03). Limitations of the study include the nonrandom design and the variability in timing of HRQoL measurements. Conclusions Up to 2 yr after treatment, SRT patients reported poorer HRQoL in several HRQoL domains compared with RP-only patients, but not in overall HRQoL. Delaying the start of SRT after RP may limit the incidence and duration of urinary and sexual problems. Nevertheless, decisions regarding SRT timing should also be based on the potential benefits in disease recurrence. Patient summary Patients who receive radiotherapy after surgery may experience poorer urinary, bowel, and erectile function compared with patients who undergo surgery only. Although more research is needed, delaying radiotherapy seems to limit its impact on urinary and sexual functioning.

Prostate pedicle management is a crucial step during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Wide excision of prostate pedicle may be required to avoid positive surgical margins (PSMs) whereas preservation of neurovascular bundles requires resection close on the prostate. We studied Endo GIA™ stapling of prostate pedicle during RARP.Retrospectively the outcome of 55 men who underwent RARP with Endo GIA™ stapling (45-mm Echelon Ethicon; group A) of the pedicle were compared with 100 men where another method for prostate pedicle management (mono- and bipolar electrocautery, Hem-o-Lock clips or titanium 10-mm clips; group B) was used. Both groups were matched for age, prostate size, clinical T-stage, Gleason Score and fascia preservation (FP) score (as a measure of nerve sparing). Surgical, oncological, functional outcome factors and costs were compared.The overall PSM rate was 33% in group A and 42% in group B (P=0.251). None of the cases had PSMs at the location of staples. PSMs with Endo GIA™ stapler at the periphery of the prostate were less frequent than in control group (4.1% vs. 11.5%; P=0.021). Median pedicle dissection time (7.8 [3.1-15.1] min vs. 10.5 [5.8-28.3] min; P=0.0001) and median operative time for RARP combined with lymphadenectomy (114 [70-129] min vs. 120 [67-200] min; P=0.043) tended to be shorter compared to group B. Erectile function and continence recovery at 12 months were comparable for both groups. Material costs for stapling (€730) were higher compared to variable costs in control group.Pedicle stapling during RARP reduced peripheral PSMs. It did not compromise functional results, provided a modest operation time gain for pedicle dissection, but is more expensive.

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine whether deferred radical therapy for low-risk prostate cancer has an additionally unfavourable effect on quality of life (QoL). Substantial numbers of patients on active surveillance (AS) are eventually treated. Material and methods. Prostate cancer patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in the NCI-AvL (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) received systematic QoL questionnaires preoperatively and postoperatively. Questionnaires included the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core Module and Prostate Module (EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-PR25), International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Patients with low-risk prostate cancer who received RARP after an initial period of AS (AS-RARP group) were compared with similar patients who primarily elected surgery (direct-RARP group). Results. The AS-RARP group included 29 patients who received RARP after a median period of 15.4 months of AS (range 3.0-18.8 months). Main reasons for deferred radical therapy were repeat biopsy risk reclassification (45%) and prostate-specific antigen progression (38%). The direct-RARP group included 363 patients treated after 3.3 months (range 0.1-45.5 months). RARP generally resulted in clinically relevant unfavourable changes on different QoL domains in both groups. Preoperatively the AS-RARP group showed more favourable scores on multiple QoL domains (physical functioning, p = 0.004; role functioning, p = 0.001; global health, p = 0.043; sexual activity, p = 0.001; sexual functioning, p = 0.029; IIEF-I5, p = 0.042). Postoperatively, most of these more favourable scores in the AS-RARP group had changed to scores similar to the direct-RARP group, except for IIEF-15 (p = 0.027) and urinary symptoms (p = 0.001). When using a 12 month treatment delay threshold, a similar but less distinct effect was seen. Conclusions. Patients with low-risk prostate cancer who choose AS have more favourable preoperative QoL scores than patients who primarily elect radical prostatectomy, but these groups show similar postoperative QoL scores.

Functional outcome and quality of life (QOL) domains are important outcomes after curative therapy for prostate cancer. Although useful for scientific purposes, QOL questionnaires may be too extensive for daily routine, and single questions or interview-assessed outcomes may be more practical alternatives. The QOL outcomes of these measures were compared.The QOL of patients undergoing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) in our hospital was monitored before and after treatment using both brief standardized interview questions, as well as more extensive validated questionnaires. The interview questions address erectile function and urinary continence with only one question on each subject (both four response items). Questionnaires included a total of 74 questions (EORTC-QLQ-C30, EORTC-QLQ-PR25, international index of erectile function-15, and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-short form).In 925 RARP patients, pre- and postoperative interview and questionnaire QOL data were available with a median follow up of 20 months. Improvement in both erectile function and continence scores occurred up till 2 years after the RARP for both interview- and questionnaire-based evaluations. On an individual patient basis, interview scores poorly correlated with questionnaire-based domains for continence and erectile function. Single questions from the questionnaire showed better correlation with domain scores. Functional recovery of continence after 1 year was worse when assessed by questionnaire than by interview evaluation. A decrease in physical (8%) and overall QOL (12%) after prostatectomy as assessed by the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire was better predicted by questionnaire-based than interview-based scores. Continence scores had a greater impact on physical and overall QOL scores than on erectile function scores.Interview/assessed continence and erectile function outcome after RARP showed limited association with questionnaire-based evaluation and may overestimate functional recovery. Continence scores for both interviews and questionnaires were stronger correlated with physical and overall QOL than erectile function scores.

Although many studies address the learning curve for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), little is known concerning the results for pelvic lymph node dissection (LND) during RALP.Between 2006 and 2011, two surgeons performed 904 RALP procedures. LND was performed in 440 (48.6%) cases based on the European Association of Urology guidelines. Both surgeons had extensive experience with open LND for both prostate and bladder cancer. Clinical data were prospectively recorded into an online database. Complications were reported using the Clavien-Dindo system and documented prospectively.For both surgeons, the operative time for LND decreased over time during the first 150 LND procedures. After that, a mean plateau of operative time of 49 minutes for LND was reached. Nodal yield increased from a mean of 10 nodes for the first 50 cases to 14 for cases 351 to 400. The percentage of positive nodes increased significantly in these intervals from 4% to 23.1% (P0.001, Mann Whitney U test). Overall complications by grade were not significantly different between RALP with or without LND. In 440 LND cases, 5 (1.5%) grade IIIb complications occurred. All were infection related with bowel perforation in one. Symptomatic lymphoceles necessitating drainage were present in five (1.5%) men. Thromboembolic events (0% vs 1.5%) and anastomosis dehiscence (0.2% vs 1.1%) were more common in men with LND. During the learning curve, the incidence of Clavien grade I and II but not grade III and IV complications decreased.An improvement pattern for LND during RALP is observed for operative time, nodal yield node positivity rate, and complication rate during the first 400 cases of LND.

Considering the anatomic proximity of the internal iliac lymph nodes and the pelvic plexus, it may be expected that more extensive pelvic nodal dissection is associated with an increased risk of damage to the small pelvis neural and vascular structures. We evaluate whether nodal dissection is associated with functional outcome after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).In a series of 798 RARP procedures, 325 (40.7%) patients underwent a lymph node dissection. Continence, sexual function, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were assessed using the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire short form (ICIQ)-SF), International Index of Erectile Function-15, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ)-PR25 questionnaires before and at 6 months intervals after RARP.Preoperative ICIQ-SF, IIEF-15, and PR25-LUTS scores were similar for men with and without nodal dissection. Normal postoperative erectile function (IIEF-EF24) at 6 months was reported by 1.7%, 9.1%, and 50.4% of men with no, unilateral, and bilateral nerve preservation and normal preoperative erectile function. All domains of the IIEF-15 score showed a negative correlation with the number of removed lymph nodes. In 70 of 325 (21%) cases with nodal dissection, more than 10 nodes were removed. Men with more than 10 nodes removed had lower IIEF-15 domain scores compared with men with 1 to 10 removed lymph nodes. The postoperative ICIQ-SF and PR25-LUTS scores were not associated with extent of nodal dissection. Nodal metastases were found in 5.9% and 15.7% of men with ≤ 10 nodes and10 nodes removed (P=0.005). In a multivariate analysis, extent of fascia preservation (FP-score), preoperative IIEF-EF, and number of removed nodes were the strongest independent predictors of postoperative erectile function recovery.More extensive nodal dissection was associated with impaired postoperative sexual function recovery but not continence and voiding function after RARP, independent of preoperative function and nerve preservation.