Closer Look at Types of Prostatectomy and Quality of Life
Posted: Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Men who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy versus open radical prostatectomy experienced similar side effects after 12 months. However, quality-of-life reports differed, concluded a study published in Urologic Oncology by Weranja Ranasinghe, PhD, of the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and colleagues. Despite similar urinary, sexual, and bowel functioning between the two groups, important differences in patient emotions over time were observed.
Using the Patient Reported Information Multidimensional Exploration version 2 (PRIME-2), the authors retrospectively analyzed patient-reported information on more than 5,100 men undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and on more than 550 men undergoing open radical prostatectomy. The authors compared the decision factors, side effects, and emotions in men undergoing both surgeries using online cancer support groups.
According to the analysis, surgeon experience and erectile function were important factors to all men deciding between the two procedures. The authors did not observe significant differences in urinary, sexual, or bowel symptoms between men in the two groups. However, men in the robot-assisted group expressed emotions that were more consistent and positive, whereas those in the open radical prostatectomy group expressed more negative emotions at the time of surgery and 3 months after surgery (P < .05) due to pain and discomfort. In month 9, patients in the open radical group also reported more fear and anxiety due to pending prostate-specific antigen tests.
“It is timely and relevant for clinicians to accept [online cancer support groups] as an adjunct to prostate cancer care,” the authors concluded.
Disclosure: Study authors’ disclosure information may be found at ScienceDirect.
