A sample of radical prostatectomy patients from a urology office located in the Southeastern United States were asked to complete a written questionnaire for the purpose of evaluating whether the radical prostatectomy procedure for clinically localized prostate cancer has an effect on quality of life. In addition, demographic factors were looked at to see if they had an effect on quality of life after this surgical procedure.
64 of 93 patients that agreed to participate in the project actually completed and returned the questionnaire. This resulted in a 69% response rate for the survey. Data appeared to show that urinary, bowel, and sexual function are determinants of quality of life that are affected by having the radical prostatectomy procedure. Data was unable to show any significant effect by demographic variables on quality of life after the radical prostatectomy surgery.
Conclusion: Although the results indicated that the radical prostatectomy procedure did have an effect on quality of life, it is important to remember that without the surgery they may have not been around to have a quality of life. Also, the components of quality of life that were affected obviously are very specific to the individual. Due to the numerous treatment options available for prostate cancer, more research regarding quality of life should be undertaken in order to determine the best possible treatment option for the patient.
