Feasibility of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in men at senior age >= 75 years: perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of a high-volume center

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess whether age >= 75 years impairs surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and methods Patients with prostate cancer (PCa) were stratified in >= 75(n = 669) vs. <70 years(n = 8,268). Multivariable cox regression analyses (MVA) tested for effect of senior age on erectile function-, urinary continence-recovery, biochemical recurrence (BCR), and metastatic progression (MP). Results RARP duration, blood loss, and 30d complication rates were similar between groups. For patients >= 75 vs. <70 years, rates of erectile function after 36 and urinary continence after 12 months were 27 vs. 56% (p < 0.001) and 85 vs. 86% (p = 0.99), respectively. Mean quality of life (QoL) score after 12 months improved in both groups (p = 0.9). At 48 months, BCR- and MP-free rates were 77 vs. 85% (p < 0.001) and 97 vs. 98% (p = 0.3), respectively. MVA confirmed the negative effect of senior age on erectile function but no significant effect on urinary continence, BCR or MP, before and after propensity score matching. Conclusion Apart from erectile function, senior age has no significant effect on urinary continence recovery, BCR- or MP-free rates after RARP. Post-RARP QoL improved even in senior patients. Modern therapy of senior PCa patients should be based on individual counseling than just age.