Use of multiparametric MR with neurovascular bundle evaluation to optimize the oncological and functional management of patients considered for nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.
BACKGROUND
To obtain the best results with radical prostatectomy, either from an oncological or a functional point of view, a correct selection of cases and planning of surgery are crucial. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) promises to make it a successful imaging tool for improving many aspects of prostate cancer management.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a modern multiparametric MRI can help either to better select prostate cancer cases for a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy or to improve the functional evaluation related to neurovascular bundles preservation.


METHODS
The effect of preoperative MRI on neurovascular bundle management was examined for the frequency and the appropriateness of changes of the surgical plane on the basis of MRI indications.


METHODS
In a prospective study, 125 consecutive patients with biopsy proven prostate cancer who were scheduled to undergo bilateral nerve-sparing surgery. All patients included into the study were submitted to a preoperative multiparametric MRI. On the basis of MRI evaluation, patients were divided into two groups. Patients in group A were then submitted to a bilateral nerve-sparing (NS) radical prostatectomy (RP), whereas patients in group B were submitted to unilateral NS or non-NS RP.


RESULTS
In group A, the confirmation from the MRI study to perform a bilateral NS procedure was appropriate in 70 of 73 cases (95.9%), whereas in group B, the surgical plan was appropriate in 28 of 32 cases (87.5%). On the contrary, MRI findings suggested a change in the initial surgical plan (group B) for 32 of 105 cases (30.5%). Of these 32 cases in group B, MRI suggested to perform a unilateral NS procedure in 21 of 32 cases (65.6%) and a non-NS procedure in 11 of 32 cases (34.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
Multiparametric MRI analysis can significantly improve the standard selection and management of prostate carcinoma cases considered for an NS RP.
Department of Radiology, University "Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
Valeria
V
Panebianco
Stefano
S
Salciccia
Susanna
S
Cattarino
Francesco
F
Minisola
Alessandro
A
Gentilucci
Andrea
A
Alfarone
Gian Piero
GP
Ricciuti
Andrea
A
Marcantonio
Danilo
D
Lisi
Vincenzo
V
Gentile
Roberto
R
Passariello
Alessandro
A
Sciarra
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011467:Prostate / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*