Impact of Pelvic Anatomical Changes Caused by Radical Prostatectomy

SIMPLE SUMMARY: After radical prostatectomy, the pelvic anatomy is altered such that the postoperative structure differs from the preoperative one, resulting in a variety of complications. In this review, the complications and mechanisms of pelvic anatomical changes associated with radical prostatectomy, as well as countermeasures, are outlined. An analysis of the anatomical mechanisms that cause complications after radical prostatectomy using imaging and other modalities is in progress. In addition, many surgical techniques that ensure the prevention of postoperative complications have been reported, and their usefulness has been evaluated. The preservation of as much periprostatic tissue and periprostatic structures as possible may lead to favorable postoperative functions, as long as the cancer condition permits. ABSTRACT: During radical prostatectomy, the prostate is removed along with the seminal vesicles, and the urinary tract is reconstructed by dropping the bladder onto the pelvic floor and suturing the bladder and urethra together. This process causes damage to the pelvic floor and postoperative complications due to the anatomical changes in the pelvic floor caused by the vesicourethral anastomosis. Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are major complications that impair patients’ quality of life after radical prostatectomy. In addition, the shortening of the penis and the increased prevalence of inguinal hernia have been reported. Since these postoperative complications subsequently affect patients’ quality of life, their reduction is a matter of great interest, and procedural innovations such as nerve-sparing techniques, Retzius space preservation, and inguinal hernia prophylaxis have been developed. It is clear that nerve sparing is useful for preserving the erectile function, and nerve sparing, urethral length preservation, and Retzius sparing are useful for urinary continence. The evaluation of pre- and postoperative imaging to observe changes in pelvic anatomy is also beginning to clarify why these techniques are useful. Changes in pelvic anatomy after radical prostatectomy are inevitable and, therefore, postoperative complications cannot be completely eliminated; however, preserving as much of the tissue and structure around the prostate as possible, to the extent that prostate cancer control is not compromised, may help reduce the prevalence of postoperative complications.