Differences in sexual function and quality of life after nerve sparing andnonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy

Purpose: We determine the impact of nerve sparing techniques on quality of life after radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: The RAND/UCLA Prostate Cancer Index and several ques tions about surgical outcomes, including sexual function, were sent to 170 consecutive patients at least 1 year after radical retropubic prostatectomy . Statistical analysis was performed an data for the entire group as well a s subgroups of patients after nerve sparing and nonnerve sparing surgery. Results: Nonnerve sparing surgery was performed in 83 of 129 responders (no nnerve sparing group) and the remaining 46 were treated with unilateral ner ve sparing surgery (nerve sparing group). Scores for sexual function, sexua l bother, physical function and physical limitation domains were significan tly better in the nerve sparing group. Spontaneous erectile activity Nas re ported by 50% of nerve sparing group patients. Nerve sparing status did not affect urinary function, bon el function or disease outcome. Conclusions: Nerve sparing techniques have positive effects on quality of l ife and sexual function for patients undergoing radical retropubic prostate ctomy.