Longitudinal Assessment of Functional Outcomes in Post-Prostatectomy Patients: Analysis of Urinary, Intestinal, Sexual and Hormonal Functions in a Private Hospital in Southern Brazil

Abstract

To evaluate urinary, intestinal, sexual and hormonal functions using validated Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for the Brazilian population in prostate cancer patients. This prospective observational study longitudinally assessed the functional outcomes of 800 patients who underwent prostatectomy at a private hospital in southern Brazil between 2018 and 2023. Data collection occurred at seven postoperative time points (T0, T30, T90, T180, T365, T720 and T1090), analysing means, standard deviations and appropriate statistical tests. Before surgery, patients exhibited moderate impairment in sexual function, while other functions were relatively preserved. After 30 days, a decline was observed across all domains, particularly in urinary incontinence and sexual function, followed by gradual recovery over time. However, a full return to preoperative levels was not achieved, especially in sexual and erectile functions. A comparison of surgical approaches—open, laparoscopic and robotic—indicated better functional outcomes and shorter hospital stays associated with the robotic technique, while laparoscopic surgery showed more consistent late-stage recovery. These findings highlight the importance of long-term follow-up and targeted interventions for functional rehabilitation, particularly regarding the preservation of patients' sexual quality of life.