Berg, Eline van den (2026) Het effect van de ‘full functional length' techniek op de continentie bij de Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. thesis, Medicine.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: The ‘robot assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy’(RALP) is a commonly used curative treatment for prostate cancer, with urinary incontinence as a common complication. The aim of the ‘Full Functional Length’ (FFL) technique, and its more extensive variant (eFFL), is to preserve the length of the urethra in order to restore continence. Methods: This retrospective cohort study compares patients in a control group (N=344), an FFL group (N = 454) and an eFFL group (N = 56). The primary outcome measure is continence, defined as 0-1 pads per day, at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures include oncological safety assessed by surgical margins and biochemical recurrence. Results: The eFFL group demonstrates a significantly higher continence rate (76.4%) at 3 months compared to the control group (59.6%) and the FFL group (58.3%) (p = 0.019 and 0.010, respectively). At 6 months, the continence remained significantly higher in the eFFL group (91.1%) compared to the control group (77.3%) and the FFL group (74.8%) (p = 0.018 and 0.011, respectively). At 12 months, the differences between the groups were no longer significant (p = 0.125). No significant differences were observed with regard to oncological outcome measures. Bladder neck preservation was identified as a significant confounder at 6 and 12 months. Conclusion/Discussion: The eFFL technique accelerates early recovery of continence following RALP without compromising oncological safety. Maximal preservation of the urethra is essential, as partial preservation (FFL) does not show functional benefits compared to the conventional technique.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Roelofs, Dhr. Dr. L.A.J. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Oct 2026 12:14 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Oct 2026 12:14 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3984 |
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