Effects of nerve‐sparing procedures on bowel function after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A longitudinal study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate rectal pain and bowel function of the patients following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: We divided 296 patients who underwent RARP into two groups depending on the intervention: NS (nerve-sparing) group (bilateral NS, unilateral NS and bilateral partial NS) and non-NS group (unilateral partial NS, bilateral non-NS). Bowel function was assessed using the Extended Prostate Cancer Index Composite for 24 months after RARP. RESULTS: The bowel function score and rectal urgency at 1-6 months after RARP were more significantly impaired in the non-NS group than in the NS group (p < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis of factors affecting the bowel function score at 6 months after RARP, only NS procedure had a significant effect. CONCLUSIONS: In the initial period after RARP, bowel symptoms were significantly impaired. This impairment was affected by the degree of NS. These results could guide patients in their decision to choose RARP.