Pelvic pain following radical retropubic prostatectomy: a prospective study

Objectives. To evaluate subacute and chronic pelvic pain after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) performed for clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods. Twenty-four consecutive patients undergoing RRP completed pain, quality-of-life, and incontinence questionnaires. They also wore pads for 24 hours to measure urine loss objectively before and after surgery. Results. Three patients had pelvic pain preoperatively. Thirteen, 7, and 5 patients had pelvic pain at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, after RRP. At 6 months, none of the 5 patients with pelvic pain required analgesic medication. There was a strong relationship between pain and cancer worry, as well as between pain and incontinence. Conclusions. Many patients have subacute pelvic pain after RRP but improve over time. Severe chronic pain is unlikely after RRP.