Long-term Outcomes of Prostate Capsule-Sparing and Nerve-Sparing Radical Cystectomy With Neobladder: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison.

purposeThis study aimed to compare and analyze the feasibility and long-term efficacy of prostatic capsule-sparing (PCS) and nerve-sparing (NS) radical cystectomy in the treatment of bladder cancer.

methodsFrom June 2004 to December 2021, our institution treated and followed 145 patients who underwent radical cystectomy with neobladder reconstruction for over a year. These patients were divided into 2 groups: PCS (n=74) and NS (n=71). To minimize potential biases, 1:1 propensity score matching was utilized to compare oncological outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications between the groups. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to evaluate survival differences between the PCS and NS groups.

resultsThe median follow-up durations for PCS and NS were 155 and 122 months, respectively. After adjusting for propensity scores, a total of 96 patients (48 in each group) were included for further analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no statistically significant differences in metastasis-free probability (P=0.206), cancer-specific survival (P=0.091), and overall survival (P=0.208). The daytime urinary control (UC) rate at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was 72.9%, 91.7%, and 97.9% in the PCS group and 47.9%, 79.2%, and 91.7% in the NS group, respectively (P=0.012, P=0.083, and P=0.362). The nocturnal UC rate was 54.2%, 85.4%, and 95.8% in the PCS group, and 31.3%, 60.4%, and 83.3% in the NS group, respectively (P=0.023, P=0.006, and P=0.091). Regarding erectile function recovery, 62.5% of patients in the PCS group and 22.9% in the NS group returned to preoperative levels (P<0.001).

conclusionPCS outperformed NS in restoring UC and sexual function and did not affect oncological outcomes. However, PCS was associated with a higher risk of complications linked to bladder-neck obstruction.