Abstract Code: IUC24397-90
Short-term continence outcomes in men over 75 undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy
D. Papanikolaou 1, D. Carbin 1, S. Dranova 1, D. Moschonas 1, J. Hicks 1, M. Kusuma 1, K. Patil 1, C. Eden 1, M. Perry 1, W.A. Chedid 1
(1) The Stokes Centre for Urology, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, United Kingdom – United Kingdom
Background: As the incidence of prostate cancer rises with increasing life expectancy, more men over the age of 75 are candidates for curative treatment. Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is commonly used in younger populations, but data on postoperative continence outcomes in older patients remain limited. To evaluate short-term urinary continence outcomes in men aged ≥75 years undergoing RARP at a high-volume UK center.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 36 men aged 75 or older who underwent RARP between June 2018 and June 2021. Continence was assessed using the ICIQ-SF questionnaire and pad usage at multiple postoperative time points up to 12 months. Continence was defined as the use of zero pads per day.
Results: At 12 months postoperatively, 63.9% of patients were fully continent (zero pads), and 19.4% used one safety pad daily, yielding an overall functional continence rate of 83.3%. Continence improved progressively over time, consistent with the gradual recovery process observed in this age group.
Conclusions: RARP appears to be a viable surgical option for carefully selected men over 75, offering favorable continence outcomes at one year postoperatively. Chronological age alone should not be a contraindication for RARP, and geriatric assessment tools may aid in patient selection. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.