A Combination of Findings Obtained from Pre- and Postoperative Imaging Predict Recovery of Urinary Continence After Non-nerve-sparing Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the study was to identify the reliable predictor for early recovery of urinary continence (UC) after non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (NNS-LRP) according to the findings of pre- and postoperative imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 215 patients who underwent NNS-LRP was carried out. Early recovery of UC was defined as using no pads or one security pad per day within 3 months. Preoperative membranous urethral length (MUL) measured on MRI and postoperative bladder neck angle (BNA) identified by cystography were analyzed to evaluate the relationship with recovery of UC. Patients were divided into three groups based on MUL and BNA (Group A: MUL ≥12.1 mm and BNA ≥103°, Group B: either MUL ≥12.1 mm or BNA ≥103°, Group C: MUL <12.1 mm and BNA <103°.

RESULTS: Early recovery rates were 80.3% in patients with MUL ≥12.1 mm, 37.5% in patients with MLU<12.1 (p<0.001), and 77.8% in patients with BNA ≥103°, 50% in patients with BNA <103°(p<0.001). In the combination of the two parameters, early recovery rates were 90.4%, 58%, and 36.1% in group A, B and C respectively (p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier curve of the time to recovery of UC showed significant differences among the three groups (log rank test: p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: A combination of preoperative MUL and postoperative BNA was the reliable predictor of recovery of UC after NNS-LRP. Longer MUL with wider BNA is significantly and positively associated with an early recovery of UC.