Bladder and Urethral Sphincter Function after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: A Prospective Long-Term Study

Abstract Objective In a prospective study we analysed the 3-yr results of the effects of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) on detrusor and sphincter function by comparing urodynamic status preoperatively with that during longitudinal follow-up. Methods Fifty-four consecutive patients underwent urodynamics with pressure flow studies and Valsalva leak point pressure measurements 3–7 d before RRP (baseline), and then 8 mo after surgery. Thirty-two patients were studied again 3 yr later. We analysed bladder compliance, detrusor overactivity (DO), detrusor contractility, and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). Results There was a significant increase in the number of patients with reduced bladder compliance at the 8-mo follow-up. De novo reduced bladder compliance was detected in 32.3% of patients and persisted in 28.1% at the 36-mo follow-up. De novo detrusor hypocontractility was observed in 51% of patients at 8 mo ( p < 0.05) and persisted in 25% of cases 3 yr later. No patients showed any postvoid residual volume. The associations between detrusor hypocontractility with DO and between detrusor hypocontractility with ISD were detected in 76.2% and 44% of patients, respectively, at 8 mo, and in 25% and in 34% of cases, respectively, at 36 mo of follow-up ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). Conclusions Following RRP detrusor hypocontractility, decreased bladder compliance, and ISD represent de novo dysfunction probably due to bladder denervation during surgery. They become established conditions over time in about 30% of patients. Nevertheless, they do not produce voiding symptoms because patients develop new voiding behaviours.