Variations in predictors for urinary continence recovery at different time periods following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary dysfunctions are common sequelae following prostatectomy. This study aimed to discover factors that can predict urinary continence recovery at various time periods after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of data of 419 consecutive patients. Only patients followed up for ≥1 year were enrolled. An answer of "zero pad per day" in the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary assessment (question 5) denoted continence. Possible predictors of urinary continence recovery were evaluated at 3, 3-6, and 6-12 months after the operation. RESULTS: Continence rates at 3, 6, and 12 months after RARP were 12.9%, 21.2%, and 40.2%, respectively. The proportions of patients using 0-1 pad were 54.2%, 75.7%, and 83.1% at 3, 6, and 12 months after RARP, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that a membranous urethral length (MUL) ≥11 mm was significantly associated with urinary continence recovery both within 3 months (odds ratio: 0.367, P = .003) and 3-6 months (odds ratio: 0.354, P = .001) after RARP. The analysis also revealed that, in patients with urinary continence at 6 months, a large prostate volume (odds ratio: 1.973, P = .044) and a high body mass index (odds ratio: 2.874, P = .027) were negative predictors of urinary continence recovery within 6-12 months. CONCLUSION: A longer MUL was linked to urinary continence recovery within 6 months following RARP, whereas a large prostate volume and a high body mass index were adverse predictors of urinary continence recovery beyond 6 months.

Two Cases of Intractable Radiation-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis Treated with Transcatheter Embolization.

Radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis is a late complication of radiotherapy, and in rare cases, refractory. Refractory bleeding may not be resolved by transurethral electrocoagulation (TUEC) or hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy and requires transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) or urinary diversion. Here, we report two cases of radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis successfully treated with TAE. Case 1 was a 61-yearold man who underwent total prostatectomy for prostate cancer followed by salvage radiation therapy. The patient developed radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis 2 years and 3 months after radiotherapy. After no improvement with TUEC and HBO, TAE was performed. Case 2 was a 78-year-old man who underwent total prostatectomy followed by salvage radiation therapy and developed radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis 12 years later. TAE was performed after no improvement with HBO. TAE proved successful in both patients, and there was no relapse. TAE is a potential treatment option for refractory radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.