ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate erectile function (EF) and voiding function following primary targeted cryoablation of the prostate (TCAP) for clinically localized prostate cancer (CaP) in a contemporary cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated between 2/2000-5/2006 with primary TCAP. Variables included age, Gleason sum, pre-TCAP prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, clinical stage, pre-TCAP hormonal ablation, pre-TCAP EF and American Urologic Association Symptom Score (AUASS). EF was recorded as follows: 1 = potent; 2 = sufficient for intercourse; 3 = partial/insufficient; 4 = minimal/insufficient; 5 = none. Voiding function was analyzed by comparing pre/post-TCAP AUASS. Statistical analysis utilized SAS software with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: After exclusions, 78 consecutive patients were analyzed with a mean age of 69.2 years and follow-up 39.8 months. Thirty-five (44.9 percent) men reported pre-TCAP EF level of 1-2. Post-TCAP, 9 of 35 (25.7 percent) regained EF of level 1-2 while 1 (2.9 percent) achieved level 3 EF. Median pre-TCAP AUASS was 8.75 versus 7.50 postoperatively (p = 0.39). Six patients (7.7 percent) experienced post-TCAP urinary incontinence. Lower pre-TCAP PSA (p = 0.008) and higher Gleason sum (p = 0.002) were associated with higher post-TCAP AUASS while prostate volume demonstrated a trend (p = 0.07). Post-TCAP EF and stable AUASS were not associated with increased disease-recurrence (p = 0.24 and p = 0.67, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Stable voiding function was observed post-TCAP, with an overall incontinence rate of 7.7 percent. Further, though erectile dysfunction is common following TCAP, 25.7 percent of previously potent patients demonstrated erections suitable for intercourse. While long-term data is requisite, consideration should be made for prospective evaluation of penile rehabilitation following primary TCAP.