@heavyphil
This is very good information; people can compare options and choose the best treatment for themselves.

@heavyphil
Great meta analysis. Constant more evaluations as it becomes done more. I agree on this analysis not much difference the treatment in eliminating the cancer except not as well with multiple tumors with a higher PSM, but BCR seems same, but the reducing of side effects immediately regardless whether at a year out the baseline is practically equal . As I mentioned for me a game changer alone is the continence. Would I rather have it fairly immediate in a couple days with no kegels or just gradually improving over months under one procedure whether the studies show at a year they are equivalent . The studies do show improved recovery time for erectile function because of better neurovascular protection. The higher level of PSM can be reduced by real time pathology. Also states a longer learning curve for this procedure which means as more meta analysis come on board they may have more results from more experienced surgeon’s. Results from surgeons still in their learning curve can skew the results in the analysis as nearly not around as much two years ago and the procedures were being done likely by surgeons in that learning curve. As I continue to say regardless of the procedure, a surgeon is only as good as his expertise in performing whichever one he does. I emphasize the reduction in side effects or the quicker recovery time regarding those as game changers for me all things being equal.

@heavyphil

Yes- that is the whole point - not much difference and thanks for confirming that with a link, I read tons of those before surgery. I never talk about things before I do research or know the facts about both sides (or 3 sides ...) . I did my research about both kind of "ports" when we decided to do RP.

Our surgeon confirmed that yes, results are similar and added that he prefers multi-port but gave us a choice. He was also honest and told us that nobody can guarantee complete continence and no ED , no mater what technique is used but that in his practice it is rare event - 5 % for incontinence and 20% for ED but that ED can be helped by multiple ways.

He also explained that both results depend of many other factors and all research papers that I read confirmed all that he said. It is not always possible to spare the nerves since sometimes cancer invades that area and it can be seen during surgery. If gland is enlarged much bigger chunk of urethra has to be removed and sometimes even part of a bladder neck and that will cause longer recovery. There are techniques that surgeons use to repair neck on the spot while doing RP. He went into all details of possible events and which can be fixed immediately or later. He also explained that if patient already has any level of ED or any problems with urinary tract (like urgency, or similar) , that it predisposes a patient to having more pronounced SA.

Bottom line - so many factors go into success of a surgery that it is actually misinformation that anybody or any technique can guaranty full continence the first day after cath goes out or zero ED. I mean we have a member here that had single port with very bad results and very slow recovery. Now, he is not good representative either - again , one example. As always - the truth is in the middle.