Journal: Journal of robotic surgery
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated functional outcomes following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for localized prostate cancer. The focus was on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), urinary continence, and quality of life.
The analysis included 18 studies with over 16,000 patients, revealing:
- Significant postoperative improvements in LUTS, shown by mean reductions in International Prostate Symptom Scores at 6 and 12 months.
- Urinary continence recovery improved gradually, ranging from 40-50% at 1 month to nearly 90% by 12 months.
- Techniques such as Retzius-sparing RARP and periurethral reconstruction were associated with earlier continence restoration.
- Quality of life related to urinary symptoms also improved, especially in patients with more severe preoperative symptoms and larger prostates.
Overall, RARP leads to progressive functional recovery and enhanced urinary quality of life, influenced by the surgical method and patient factors.