Functional Outcomes of Prostate Cancer Treatment with Partial Gland Ablation

This chapter assesses the outcomes of partial gland ablation in prostate cancer treatment, with a focus on erectile and urinary functions. It highlights the anatomical considerations crucial for minimizing damage and discusses the possible compromises in cancer control. Research indicates that partial ablation may better preserve erectile function and urinary continence compared to whole gland treatments. Most patients experience a recovery in erectile function to near baseline levels within a year, and urinary incontinence is uncommon. This chapter also reviews various treatment modalities and the difficulties in comparing outcomes across different studies. Overall, partial gland ablation provides a balance between effective cancer control and quality of life preservation, while a potential compromise in oncologic control does not seem to translate into an increased risk of prostate cancer-related mortality, considering the disease’s long natural history and numerous salvage treatment options available.