De novo neurogenic bladder dysfunction after salvage lymph node dissection in patients with nodal recurrence of prostate cancer.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To examine the impact of Salvage lymph node dissection (SLND) on bladder function and oncological outcome in hormone naïve patients with nodal recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: In a prospective study between October 2015 and November 2016, 20 patients underwent transperitoneal SLND for nodal recurrence of PCa after RP at our institution. Standardized urodynamics were performed pre- and postoperatively after 6 weeks, 3, and 6 to 12 months. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were used to monitor the oncological outcome. Perioperative outcomes encompassed, among others, type of complications after surgery classified to Clavien-Dindo. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction was postoperative at 6 weeks, 3, and 6 to 12 months 78.5%, 70%, and 45.5%, respectively. Compared to preoperative urodynamics, follow-ups revealed a statistical significant cleavage of bladder wall compliance until six to twelve months after SLND (34.5 vs 22 mL/cmH2 O, P = 0.044). Referring to the oncological outcome all patients experienced a PSA progression, 10 patients (50%) within 11 weeks after surgery. Overall, four patients (20%) suffered from a postoperative complication after SLND, which comprises Clavien grade I-IIIa. CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal SLND, as a treatment option for patients with nodal recurrence of PCa after RP reveals additional potential pitfalls than previously reported. Urodynamics reveal a significant impact of SLND on postoperative functional bladder dysfunctions. Therefore, informed consent prior to SLND should include the risk of persistent low compliance bladder.