Longitudinal study on the impact of urinary continence and sexual function on health-related quality of life among Japanese men after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Int J Med Robot. 2019 Aug;15(4):e2018. doi: 10.1002/rcs.2018. Epub 2019 Jun 12.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods: We prospectively reviewed HRQOL parameters using Short-Form Health Survey, patient self-reporting of urinary incontinence and International Index of Erectile Function, among patients who underwent RARP between 2010 and 2016.

Results: Among 249 men studied, all had significantly worse HRQOL domain scores at 1 month post operatively but 24 months after surgery, all domains reached or surpassed their baseline values. Only Bodily Pain, General Health, Role-Emotional, Mental Health domains, and Mental Health Composite were significantly improved. Improvement in urinary continence was mirrored by improvements in both Mental and Physical Component Scores.

Conclusions: Within a 2-year post-operative period, men who underwent RARP had regained their overall quality of life. The recovery of urinary continence significantly impacted the mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being of those patients.

Keywords: cancer; computer-assisted surgery; prostate; prostatectomy.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Postoperative Period
  • Prospective Studies
  • Prostatectomy / methods*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / complications
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urinary Incontinence