Impact of posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: retrospective analysis of time to continence.
OBJECTIVE
Posterior rhabdosphincter (PR) reconstruction during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) was introduced in an attempt to improve postoperative continence. In the present study, we evaluate time to achieve continence in patients who are undergoing RARP with and without PR reconstruction.


METHODS
A prospective RARP database was searched for most recent cases that were accomplished with PR reconstruction (group 1, n = 69) or with standard technique (group 2, n = 63). We performed the analysis applying two definitions of continence: 0 pads per day or 0-1 security pad per day. Patients were evaluated by telephone interview. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.


RESULTS
With PR reconstruction, continence was improved when defined as 0-1 security pad per day (median time of 90 vs 150 days; P = 0.01). This difference did not achieve statistical significance when continence was defined as 0 pads per day (P = 0.12).


CONCLUSIONS
A statistically significant improvement in continence rate and time to achieve continence is seen in patients who are undergoing PR reconstruction during RARP, with continence defined as 0-1 security/safety pad per day. A larger, prospective and randomized study is needed to better understand the impact of this technique on postoperative continence.
Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. jrwoo@uchicago.edu
Jason R
JR
Woo
Sergey
S
Shikanov
Kevin C
KC
Zorn
Arieh L
AL
Shalhav
Gregory P
GP
Zagaja
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012371:Robotics; D013997:Time Factors; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology*