Urinary Tract-Related Quality of Life after Radical Prostatectomy: Open Retropubic versus Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Approach

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The best technique of radical prostatectomy--open retropubic versus robot-assisted surgery--is a subject of controversy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2011, 2,177 men underwent radical prostatectomy at our department. 252 (12%) cases were laparoscopic robot-assisted, the remainder open retropubic procedures. In Germany, certified prostate cancer centers are required to collect urinary tract-related outcome data after radical prostatectomy using the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. The questionnaire data were used to compare both surgical approaches concerning the urinary tract-related outcome 1, 2 and 3 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Neither the voiding score nor the incontinence score or the bother scale sum differed between the two cohorts at any of the measurement times. CONCLUSIONS: Concerning continence recovery, in this series, there were no detectable differences between robot-assisted and open radical prostatectomy.