Clinical outcomes after sexuality preserving cystectomy and neobladder (prostate sparing cystectomy) in 44 patients

Purpose: We describe the functional outcome on erectile function, continence and voiding, and local and distant cancer recurrence rates in 44 patients after sexuality preserving cystectomy and neobladder (prostate sparing cystectomy). Materials and Methods: A total of 44 males underwent cystectomy with preservation of the prostate, seminal vesicles and vasa deferentia, after which a Studer type neobladder was anastomosed to the prostate. Oncological outcome (disease specific survival, distant and local recurrence rates) and functional results (continence, voiding, erectile function) were determined. Results: At a median followup of 42 months, 13 (30%) patients died of cancer. All 13 experienced widespread disease, which was combined with a pelvic recurrence (pelvic recurrence rate 6.9%) in 3. The 3-year survival according to pathological stage was 86% for pT 2N0 or lower, 63% pT3N0 and 39% for node positive tumors (anyT Npos). Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 1 patient 5 years after treatment, and recurrent carcinoma in situ in the prostatic urethra in another patient. Complete daytime and nighttime continence was achieved in 95.3% and 74.4%, respectively. Incontinence during day and night could be managed by 1 pad per day/night in 4.7% and 20.9%, respectively, while 4.7% needed more than 1 pad per night. Erectile function could be determined in 40 patients, and potency was maintained in 77.5%, impaired in 12.5% and absent in 10%. Conclusions: Functional results with regard to erectile function and urinary continence after prostate sparing cystectomy are good. Oncological results have been promising, but need to be confirmed after longer followup and in larger trials. Copyright © 2005 by American Urological Association.