Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in high-risk prostate cancer patients: results from a large single-institution series

Dell'Oglio, P.; Tappero, S.; Longoni, M.; Buratto, C.; Scilipoti, P.; Secco, S.; ... ; Galfano, A. (2022)

Article / Letter to editor

Background: Retzius-sparing (RS) robot-assisted radical prostatectomy represents a valid surgical treatment option for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. However, the available evidence on the role of RS in high-risk (HR) PCa setting is sparse.& nbsp;Objective: To describe our RS technique for HR-PCa patients and to evaluate intra-, peri-, and postoperative oncological and functional outcomes.& nbsp;Design, setting, and participants: A total of 340 D'Amico HR-PCa patients under -went RS at a single high-volume centre between 2011 and 2020. Surgical procedure:& nbsp;Surgical procedures were performed by five experienced robotic surgeons.& nbsp;Measurements: Complications were collected according to the standardised methodology proposed by the European Association of Urology guidelines. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated in patients with complete follow-up data (n = 320). Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive prostate-specific antigen values of >= 0.2 ng/ml. Urinary continence (UC) recovery was defined as the use of zero or one safety pad. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were performed.& nbsp;Results and limitations: Fourteen patients (4%) experienced intraoperative complications and 52 90-d complications occurred in 44 patients (14%), of whom 24 had Clavien-Dindo 3a/b. Final pathology reported 49% International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 4-5, 55% > pT3a, and 28.8% positive surgical mar-gins (PSMs; 9.4% focal and 19.4% extended PSMs). The median follow-up was 47 mo. Overall, 35.3% and 1.3% harboured BCR and died from PCa. At 4 yr of follow-up, BCR-free survival and additional treatment-free survival were 63.6% and 56.6%, respectively. ISUP 4-5 at biopsy (odds ratio [OR]: 2.6), prostate volume (OR: 1.03), partial or full nerve sparing (OR: 1.9), and full bladder neck preservation (OR: 2.2) were independent predictors of PSMs. Pathological ISUP 4-5 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.5) and PSMs (HR: 2.3) were independent predictors of BCR. Pathological ISUP 4-5 (HR: 1.5), PSMs (HR: 2.4), pT >= 3b (HR: 1.8), and pN >= 1 (HR: 1.8) were independent predictors of additional treatment. Immediate UC recovery was recorded in 53% patients. The 1-and 2-yr UC recovery and erectile function recovery were, respectively, 84% and 85%, and 43% and 50%.& nbsp;Conclusions: RS in HR-PCa patients allows optimal intra-, peri-, and postoperative outcomes. The RS approach should be considered a valid surgical treatment option for HR-PCa patients in expert hands.& nbsp;Patient summary: Relying on the largest cohort of high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with Retzius sparing (RS), we observed that the RS approach is safe and allows optimal cancer control, without significantly compromising functional outcomes. (C)& nbsp;2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of European Association of Urology.& nbsp;

• High-risk prostate cancer
• Robot-assisted radical
• prostatectomy
• Retzius sparing
• Complication reporting
• Functional outcomes

• All authors: Dell'Oglio, P.; Tappero, S.; Longoni, M.; Buratto, C.; Scilipoti, P.; Secco, S.; Olivero, A.; Barbieri, M.; Palagonia, E.; Napoli, G.; Strada, E.; Petralia, G.; Trapani, D. di; Vanzulli, A.; Bocciardi, A.M.; Galfano, A.
• Date: 2022-04-01
• Journal: European Urology Open Science
• Volume: 38
• Pages: 69 - 78
• DOI: doi:10.1016/j.euros.2022.02.007
• Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666168322000416?via%...