title: A single center prospective study: prediction of postoperative general quality of life, potency and continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the importance of patient and tumor characteristics to predict continence, potency, and physical and mental health 1 year after radical prostatectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study included 236 patients who underwent open radical retropubic prostatectomy at a single institution between January 2005 and October 2007. We used validated questionnaires, including the Short Form General Health Survey, the International Index of Erectile Function and the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire, to evaluate postoperative health related quality of life, erectile function and continence, respectively. Questionnaires were completed at months 3, 6 and 12 postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 1-year followup 75%, 73%, 75% and 26% of patients had returned to baseline physical health, mental health, continence and potency, respectively. Mental health recovered more slowly than physical health. Preoperative prostate specific antigen less than 20 ng/ml, nerve sparing technique, no intraoperative or postoperative complications, no adjuvant treatment and attendance at a postoperative rehabilitation program were significant factors that positively influenced the outcome in regard to health related quality of life, and postoperative potency and continence (p <0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Predictors can be used when counseling patients who are preparing themselves for radical retropubic prostatectomy. This study highlights the mental impact of this surgery on these patients. We propose that men should undergo a combined mental and physical counseling program before surgery to predict postoperative health related quality of life, potency and continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Certified Prostate Cancer Center, St. Antonius Hospital, Eschweiler, Germany.
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Treiyer
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Anheuser
authors.forename: Zentia
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Bütow
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Steffens
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology*
chemical_list: D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen