OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and the multi-factors which influence on the prognosis and long life quality.

METHODSFrom January 1993 to March 2005, 132 cases radical retropubic prostatectomy were performed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the early group and recent group. Eleven items in peri-operative time and follow up results were analysed. The erection function of 78 cases were investigated with international index of erectile function 5 score. In these patients, nocturnal electrobioimpedance volumetric assessment (NEVA) were observe in 19 cases.

RESULTSComparing of the 2 groups, the index connected with operative skill changed to optimization. No one died of prostate cancer in 63 follow up patients. Nine cases showed biochemical failure with criterion as prostate specific antigen > 0.4 microg/L. Fifty patients passed urine normal post-operation in 6 months. Eight patients had stress incontinence and 5 had entire incontinence at 6 month. Four patients had vesical neck stricture. Another follow up result shows 33 (58.9%) erection function recovered in 55 bilateral nerve-sparing operation and 7 recovered in 22 of unilateral nerve-sparing operation. NEVA shows 14 cases with artery supply insufficient in whom 4 regained erection function and 5 cases vein leakage in whom no one recovered.

CONCLUSIONSThe radical retropubic prostatectomy remains the procedure of choice for the cure of localized prostatic cancer. The keys for the operation are anatomic dissection, preservation of the neurovascular bundle and good skill. These are also important for a good life quality for the patients.