Journal: Journal of robotic surgery
The study evaluated the impact of age on continence recovery and perioperative complications after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) in 439 patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Patients were divided into three age groups: ≤60, 61-70, and >70 years.
Findings included:
- Older patients (>70) had higher comorbidity scores and preoperative PSA levels.
- Operative time, blood loss, pathological staging, and Gleason grades were similar across all age groups.
- Continence recovery rates at 3 months were comparable, with a slight decline at 12 months in the oldest group.
- Major complication rates and biochemical recurrence did not differ significantly by age.
The study concludes that RALP is safe and effective regardless of age. Advanced age alone should not exclude patients from RALP, supporting individualized treatment decisions in elderly men.