Purpose: We determine the impact of nerve sparing techniques on quality of life after radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
Materials and methods: The RAND/UCLA Prostate Cancer Index and several questions about surgical outcomes, including sexual function, were sent to 170 consecutive patients at least 1 year after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Statistical analysis was performed on data for the entire group as well as subgroups of patients after nerve sparing and nonnerve sparing surgery.
Results: Nonnerve sparing surgery was performed in 83 of 129 responders (nonnerve sparing group) and the remaining 46 were treated with unilateral nerve sparing surgery (nerve sparing group). Scores for sexual function, sexual bother, physical function and physical limitation domains were significantly better in the nerve sparing group. Spontaneous erectile activity was reported by 50% of nerve sparing group patients. Nerve sparing status did not affect urinary function, bowel function or disease outcome.
Conclusions: Nerve sparing techniques have positive effects on quality of life and sexual function for patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.