Early recovery of urinary continence after laparoscopic versus retropubic radical prostatectomy: evaluation of preoperative erectile function and nerve-sparing procedure as predictors

The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative erectile function and attempted nerve-sparing procedure as predictors for early recovery of urinary continence after retropubic and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical approach (retropubic or laparoscopic) and learning curve for laparoscopic approach: group 1—retropubic approach (37 patients operated on from April 2000 to June 2006), group 2—laparoscopic approach (109 patients operated on from April 2003 to June 2006). We assessed state of urinary continence at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after removal of the urinary catheter. Overall rates of urinary continence were 18%, 49%, 68%, and 80% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Between groups 1 and 2, no statistically significant differences in recovery of urinary continence were evident, being 27% versus 15% at 1 month, 54% versus 47% at 3 months, 77% versus 65% at 6 months, and 91% versus 77% at 12 months in groups 1 and 2, respectively. An attempted nerve-sparing procedure (one or both neurovascular bundles) was statistically associated with urinary continence at 3 month, and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score (≥14) was identified as a significant factor predicting urinary continence at 6 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Younger age tended to result in early recovery of urinary continence after retropubic radical prostatectomy.