Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy: complications and functional results after 5 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate complications and functional results in a cohort of patients who underwent extraperitoneoscopic transcapsular laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) for large prostate adenomas with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data obtained from our prospectively maintained database of patients treated with LSP at our institution between January 2004 and June 2012, with at least 5 years of reported follow-up data. Demographics, perioperative results, early and late complications, and functional results were evaluated. The various impacts of the independent variables on the development of complications was evaluated performing logistic regression models. Follow-up was planned at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, then yearly up to a minimum of 5 years. RESULTS: One-hundred patients were included in our analysis. Median follow-up was 135 (IQR 24) months (11 years and 3 months). Grade III complications were recorded in 2 cases. Five cases of late postoperative complications were recorded. Logistic regression models showed a statistically significant correlation between the adenoma volume and the risk of developing early post-operative complications (OR 1.014). International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), I-PSS quality of life (QoL) index, and maximum urine flow (Qmax) significantly improved when comparing preoperative and postoperative results. No significant differences were recorded in the I-PSS and I-PSS QoL index during follow-up. A low but significant worsening in Qmax was observed starting the 48th month after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings confirm that LSP carries a low rate of early and late complications, and it offers good functional outcomes at 5 years.