Short-, intermediate-, and long-term quality of life after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy--does the learning curve of LRP have a negative impact on patients' quality of life?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate quality of life (QoL) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and investigate whether the learning curve of laparoscopic novices has a negative influence on patients' QoL.


METHODS
Evaluation of QoL with the EORTC QLQ C-30 and the PR25 preoperatively (t0) as well as postoperatively after 1-3 mo (t1), 4-6 mo (t2), 7-12 mo (t3), 13-24 mo (t4), and yearly thereafter (t5-t7). Surgeons were grouped according to their prior experience in laparoscopy into experienced and novices.


RESULTS
LRP was performed in 343 patients; 268 (78%) participated in the study. The mean patient age was 63.3+/-6.3 yr; mean PSA, 10.0+/-9.2 ng/ml; mean follow-up, 26 mo. Global health was impaired for t1 (p<0.001) and then returned to baseline. Emotional functioning improved (p<0.001) for t2-t7 versus baseline. Physical functioning remained impaired for t1-t2, and role and social functioning for t1-t6. Only sexual functioning did not return to baseline for t1-t7. Urinary symptoms were worse at t1 and then improved gradually (p<0.001). No significant difference in any QoL domain could be identified for experienced surgeons versus novices except for financial difficulties at t2-t3, which related to social differences. Thirty-one (9%) patients with adjuvant therapy had significantly worse global health, bowel symptoms, urinary symptoms, fatigue, and sexual functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
The learning curve of laparoscopic novices does not have a negative impact on patients' QoL. For intermediate- to long-term follow-up, patients reach their baseline or score even better in all domains except for sexual functioning but are significantly impaired if adjuvant treatment is performed.
Wyler
Stephen F
SF
Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. swyler@uhbs.ch
Ruszat
Robin
R
Straumann
Urs
U
Forster
Thomas H
TH
Provenzano
Maurizio
M
Sulser
Tullio
T
Gasser
Thomas C
TC
Bachmann
Alexander
A
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors