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The way in which the scientific world looks at things can sometimes clash with the way the non-scientists consider the same matters. One such example is on the most common side effects of surgery – incontinence and impotence. In some cases there is a very quick recovery but many men take some time to recover from their surgery. The generally held view is that by 24 months it’s as good as it’s going to get. But this view may be based on the simple fact that there are very few studies that look beyond 24 months and, of course, in scientific terms something that has not been the subject of a study does not exist!
Here is a small study that provides some hope for the longer term:
Glickman L, Godoy G, Lepor H.
Department of Urology, Division of Urologic Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.
PURPOSE: There is a paucity of information on changes in continence and erectile function beyond 2 years after radical prostatectomy. We prospectively examined changes in continence and erectile function between 2 and 4 years after radical prostatectomy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2000 and August 2003, 731 consecutive men underwent open retropubic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Preoperative and postoperative continence, and erectile function were ascertained using the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index. The 48-month prospective self-assessment followup questionnaire captured changes in urinary control and erectile function between 24 and 48 months, including marked, moderate or slight improvement, no change or worsening.
RESULTS: Overall between 24 and 48 months after radical prostatectomy 23.4% and 42.3% of men showed any degree of improvement in continence and erectile function, and 12.2% and 19.8% showed marked and moderate improvement in continence and erectile function, respectively. The probability of experiencing any qualitative improvement in urinary continence was not significantly different in men who were continent or incontinent at 24 months. The likelihood of experiencing any qualitative improvement in erectile function was significantly greater in men who were potent at 24 months compared to those who were impotent.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides compelling evidence that clinically significant improvements in urinary control and erectile function occur beyond 2 years after radical prostatectomy. These qualitative improvements are greatest for erectile function in men who were potent at 2 years. Therefore, men should not be counseled that maximal urinary continence or erectile function are achieved by 24 months after radical prostatectomy.
