Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: Preliminary Study

Abstract

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) on lower urinary tract sym- ptoms (LUTS) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: Between 2000 and 2006, 82 men with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent RRP. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the IPSS quality of life (QoL) score, and uro- flowmetry were administered both prior to and 1 year after RRP. Results: The overall mean total IPSS, maximal flow rate, and postvoid residual volume did not change over time after RRP. Prior to and after RRP, the mean maximal flow rate and residual urine changed from 17.6ml/sec to 17.9ml/sec (p=0.566) and 16.9ml to 15.8ml (p=0.777), respec- tively. Total IPSS also changed after RRP, from 12.8 to 12.5 (p=0.731). The reduction of the IPSS was more prominent in patients with severe symp- toms (IPSS≥20), whereas in those with moderate symptoms (8≤IPSS<20), the score did not change significantly after RRP. Furthermore, in those patients with no or mild symptoms (IPSS<8), the score increased after RRP. Conclusions: RRP was not shown to improve uroflowmetric parameters, including maximal flow rate, postvoid residual urine, and IPSS, in cases of moderate LUTS. However, RRP may exert a beneficial effect in those patients with severe LUTS, and may also have adverse effects on some individuals with no or mild symptoms. We believe that these results might be utilized when counseling patients about treatment options for localized prostate cancer. (Korean J Urol 2008;49:715-719)