Ultrapreservation in Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Provides Early Continence Recovery

Abstract

Background and Objectives: We aimed to evaluate oncological and functional results of the ultrapreservation anterior-sparing technique in patients with localized pros-tate cancer. Methods: 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 patho-logical evaluation in the first month, patients' prostate -specific antigen levels were followed, as well as conti-nence and potency status bimonthly for one year. Continence is defined as no leakage and zero pads for se-curity. Patients' potency was evaluated using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men, with >= 17 considered potent.Results: 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 posi-tivity occurred in 13.5% (n = 16) of patients. No complica-tions 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.Conclusion: The ultrapreservation anterior-sparing tech-nique for patients with prostate cancer shows safe, ac-ceptable functional and oncological results in short-term follow-up. However, long-term comparative studies with a larger number of patients are needed.