Prostate-Sparing Radical Cystectomy for Selected Patients with Bladder Cancer

Objectives: To review the current literature about prostate-sparing radical cystectomy (PSRC) and its potential for management of a selected population of patients with bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched for the key words ‘prostate', ‘sparing' and ‘cystectomy' between 1984 and 2012. Articles in English, French and German were considered relevant for review. Institutional experience with this procedure was also included. Results: PSRC remains a controversial procedure for the treatment of patients harboring bladder carcinoma, mainly due to insufficient knowledge of clear indications and/or contraindications. Experience with PSRC is still limited to very few referral centers and there is a lack of large series with long-term outcomes. The potential for excellent functional outcomes must be carefully balanced against inconsistent oncological results. Conclusions: PSRC may become an option for carefully selected and extensively informed patients. Suggestions for possible indications and contraindications are presented.