Results
Complete follow-up information was obtained in 1142 patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 mo (range: 12–66 mo; median: 36 mo). The actuarial 5-yr biochemical recurrence rate was 8.4% and the actual biochemical recurrence rate was 2.3%. Median duration of incontinence was 4 wk; 0.8% patients had total incontinence at 12 mo. The intercourse rate was 93% in men with no preoperative erectile dysfunction undergoing veil nerve-sparing surgery, although only 51% returned to baseline function.
Conclusions
VIP with veil nerve sparing offers oncologic and continence results that are comparable to the results of conventional nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. Early potency results are encouraging.
Excellent outcomes are seen from Dr. Menon’s group. It is interesting that even at the most experienced institution, only 51% of their patients had return to baseline sexual function. I believe this number is important and urologists should not only track how many patients can have intercourse with viagra and such, but also how many do not need it anymore and track patients SHIM scores.