Radical retropubic prostatectomy reduces symptom scores and improves quality of life in men with moderate and severe lower urinary tract symptoms.

PURPOSE: We determine the impact of radical retropubic prostatectomy on lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life due to urinary problems in men with clinically localized prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The American Urological Association (AUA) symptom index, a symptom problem index and a quality of life due to urinary problems question were administered to 104 men before and 12 months after radical prostatectomy. Urinary continence and satisfaction with the decision to undergo radical prostatectomy were also examined.

RESULTS

In men with moderate or severe baseline urinary symptoms (AUA score 8 or greater) the total AUA symptom, symptom problem and quality of life question scores decreased by 51 (-6.39), 57 (-4.22) and 25% (-0.65), respectively, after radical prostatectomy. Except for nocturia statistically significant improvements were observed for all questions captured by the AUA symptom index. Radical prostatectomy did not significantly change mean AUA symptom score or symptom problem index in men with mild urinary symptoms (AUA score less than 8). In men with moderate or severe urinary symptoms radical prostatectomy significantly improved quality of life due to urinary problems. Although 10% of men exhibited some degree of clinically relevant stress incontinence, 98% were very satisfied or satisfied with the decision to undergo radical prostatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

In men with moderate or severe urinary symptoms radical prostatectomy improves lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life due to urinary problems. The overall beneficial impact on voiding makes radical prostatectomy an attractive treatment option for clinically localized prostate cancer.