Impact of Radical Prostatectomy on Urinary Incontinence, Erectile Dysfunction and General Quality of Life

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of radical retropubic prostatectomy on patient’s quality of life. Patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy were followed for six months after surgery. We used quality of life questionnaires to study specific urinary symptoms and general health. WHOQOL-Bref (World Health Organization for Quality of Life) questionnaire was used to evaluate general health aspects, ICIQ-SF (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form), OABq (Overactive Bladder) and IPSS (International Prostatic Symptom Score) to evaluate incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms and Male Sexual Quotient to assess postoperative sexual dysfunctions. The questionnaires were scheduled before surgery, one, three and six months after surgery. Regarding the OAB-q scores, I-PSS and WHOQOL-Bref (physical, psychological, environmental, general, Question 1 and Question 2), symptoms worsened after one month if compared to preoperative symptoms. After six months, the WHOQOL’s social domain, the ICIQ-SF and QS-M scores remained worse if compared to preoperative evaluation. The incidence of sexual dysfunctions after six months was 0.83. In conclusion, urinary incontinence affects patient’s quality of life with gradual recovery after six months postoperatively. The social domain was the most common aspect affected by urinary incontinence. Our sexual dysfunction incidence was higher than other studies and this fact could be explained by many surgeries having been done by residents.