Value of preoperative MRI for prostate cancer staging and continence outcomes prior to prostatectomy: A review of the literature

Core Tip

Core tip: Over the past decade use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pre-surgical planning has increased, as well has he technology and methods for performing prostate MRI. To investigate and define the different MRI technologies available and further assess MRI technology ability to predict pathologic stage. We evaluated the current literature to identify MRI sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy for detecting extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle involvement. Primary information noted was MRI sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy for detecting extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle involvement. Secondary information derived included assessing the surgical influence of staging information, and identifying predictors of urinary incontinence recovery.