Mean Preoperative Prostate-specific Antigen Research Articles

Commentary on Salvage robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: Initial results and early report of outcomes: Boris RS, Bhandari A, Krane LS, Eun D, Kaul S, Peabody JO, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI

To evaluate the initial results of salvage robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (SRARP) after recurrence following primary radiotherapy (RT) for localized prostate cancer. Between December 2002 and January 2008, 11 patients had SRARP with pelvic lymph node dissection by 1 surgeon from 1 institution. Six patients had brachytherapy, 3 had external beam RT (EBRT), 1 intensity-modulated RT, and 1 received brachytherapy with an EBRT boost. All patients had prostate cancer on biopsy after RT, with negative computed tomography and bone scan. The mean (range) follow-up was 20.5 (1–77) months. The mean interval from RT to SRARP was 53.2 months; the mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 5.2 ng/ml, the operative duration 183 minutes, and the estimated blood loss 113 ml. One patient had prolonged lymphatic drainage, 1 had an anastomotic leak, and 1 had an anastomotic stricture requiring direct vision internal urethrotomy at 3 months. The mean duration of catheterization was 10.4 days and the hospital stay 1.4 days. Three patients had a biochemical recurrence, at 1, 2, and 43 months. In 1 of 2 patients with node-positive carcinoma of the prostate the PSA level failed to reach a nadir of 0 after surgery. In patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 months, 8 of 10 are continent (defined as 0 to 1 pad per day) and 2 have erections adequate for intercourse with the use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. SRARP after RT-resistant disease recurrence is feasible with minimal perioperative morbidity. Early functional outcomes appear to be at least equivalent with historical salvage RP series. Robotic extended pelvic lymph node dissection is safe and can improve the accuracy of surgical staging. A longer follow-up is necessary to better assess the functional and oncologic outcomes.

Endoscopic Extraperitoneal Radical Prostatectomy: Evolution of the Technique and Experience with 2400 Cases

We report the outcome of 2400 endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE) cases performed in three institutions, with emphasis on the evolution of the EERPE technique. In total, 2400 EERPE procedures were performed in three institutions. Several surgeons performed the operations. The presented cases also include the learning curve of the surgeons. EERPE was performed in all cases of localized prostate cancer with the same indications to open and transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Average patient age was 63.3 years (range 41-81 years), and mean preoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was 9.8 ng/mL (range 0.08-93 ng/mL); 857 (38%) patients had previously undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery, while 143 (5.8%) patients had prior prostatic treatment. Pelvic lymph node dissection took place in 1219 (50.8%) patients. Bilateral nerve sparing was performed in 672 patients and unilateral in 284 patients; 100 patients underwent intraoperative hernia repair with mesh placement (82 unilateral and 18 bilateral). Mean operative time was 150.7 minutes (range 50-340 minutes). Conversion to open surgery was never deemed necessary. Fifteen patients received transfusion (0.7%). The mean catheterization time was 6.19 days (range 3-40 days). Overall, 71.7% and 94.7% of the patients were continent at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Totally, 956 patients were treated with nerve-sparing procedure either interfascial or intrafascial; 672 patients underwent bilateral neurovascular bundle preservation, and 284, unilateral. Younger patients tend to have better postoperative potency. Bilateral nerve-sparing EERPE in patients younger than 55 years results in potency rate of 32.4%, 75.3%, and 84.9% at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The functional and oncological outcome of EERPE is comparable to other approaches for radical prostatectomy. Continuous refinements contribute to the improving outcome of the procedure. Long-term results especially in terms of oncological efficacy are expected.

Robotic Radical Prostatectomy for Patients with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer Is Feasible: Results of a Single-Institution Study

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of robotic prostatectomy (RP) in patients with clinically localized or locally advanced prostate cancer (PC). Between July 2005 and February 2008, we performed RP in 357 patients by using the da Vinci robot system and a transperitoneal approach. We defined locally advanced PC as cases with a clinical T-stage >/=T3a with any serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or Gleason score. Among the 321 men not treated with neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, 200 patients had clinically localized PC and 121 patients had locally advanced PC. We compared perioperative variables and early surgical outcomes between the two groups. Although advanced PC patients had significantly higher mean preoperative PSA levels, prostatectomy Gleason scores, and extracapsular extension rates, there were no significant differences in mean operation time, estimated blood loss, duration of bladder catheterization, hospital stay, or initiation of a regular postoperative diet between the two groups. Except for some early cases, a bilateral extended lymphadenectomy was performed without difficulty in both groups. Although both the frequency of lymph node invasion and the positive surgical margin rates were higher in the advanced PC patients, the positive surgical margin rate (48.8%) in the present study was similar to those of open radical retropubic prostatectomy in other studies. The overall complication rate did not differ between the two groups. Two intraoperative rectal injuries occurred in patients with locally advanced PC and were closed primarily without specific problems, except for 1 case. Our results suggest that RP may be performed safely on patients with locally advanced PC.

Salvage robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy: initial results and early report of outcomes

To evaluate the initial results of salvage robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (SRARP) after recurrence following primary radiotherapy (RT) for localized prostate cancer. Between December 2002 and January 2008, 11 patients had SRARP with pelvic lymph node dissection by one surgeon from one institution. Six patients had brachytherapy, three had external beam RT (EBRT), one intensity-modulated RT, and one received brachytherapy with an EBRT boost. All patients had prostate cancer on biopsy after RT, with negative computed tomography and bone scan. The mean (range) follow-up was 20.5 (1-77) months. The mean interval from RT to SRARP was 53.2 months; the mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 5.2 ng/mL, the operative duration 183 min and the estimated blood loss 113 mL. One patient had prolonged lymphatic drainage, one had an anastomotic leak, and one had an anastomotic stricture requiring direct vision internal urethrotomy at 3 months. The mean duration of catheterization was 10.4 days and the hospital stay 1.4 days. Three patients had a biochemical recurrence, at 1, 2 and 43 months. In one of two patients with node-positive carcinoma of the prostate the PSA level failed to reach a nadir of zero after surgery. In patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 months, eight of 10 are continent (defined as zero to one pad per day) and two have erections adequate for intercourse with the use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. SRARP after RT-resistant disease recurrence is feasible with minimal perioperative morbidity. Early functional outcomes appear to be at least equivalent with historical salvage RP series. Robotic extended pelvic lymph node dissection is safe and can improve the accuracy of surgical staging. A longer follow-up is necessary to better assess the functional and oncological outcomes.

Histopathological characteristics of lymph node metastases predict cancer‐specific survival in node‐positive prostate cancer

To correlate the histopathological characteristics of lymph node metastases in prostate cancer with cancer-specific survival (CSS). The histopathological slides from 142 patients who had had a pelvic lymph node dissection for node-positive prostate cancer were reviewed. For each patient we recorded the number of lymph nodes removed, the number of positive nodes, the diameter of the largest metastasis and extranodal extension (ENE). The lymph node metastases were graded according to the Gleason system. These variables were correlated with CSS. The mean age of the patients was 62.4 years and the mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen level was 40.2 ng/mL. The median follow-up was 77.5 months, and the median overall and CSS were 91 and 112 months, respectively. On univariable analysis the following variables correlated with poor CSS: a nodal Gleason score of >7 (hazard ratio 2.4, P < 0.001), a diameter of the largest metastasis of >3 mm (2.2, P = 0.025), more than two lymph node metastases (2.0, P = 0.003), and ENE in more than one lymph node (1.9, P = 0.014). Multivariable analysis showed only the nodal Gleason score and the diameter of the largest metastasis to be independent predictors of CSS (1.8, P = 0.021, and 2.2, P = 0.046, respectively). The histopathological characteristics of lymph node metastases in prostate cancer have predictive value for the clinical outcome. The nodal Gleason score and the diameter of the largest metastasis are independent predictors of survival.

The effect of rapamycin on PSA kinetics in men without prostate cancer

16064 Background: Rapamycin and FK506 are the predominant immunosuppressive agents used after renal transplantation. The individual effect of these immunosuppressants on prostate specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker used to monitor the development of prostatic disease, is unknown. Hence, we report the effect of these drugs on serum levels of PSA kinetics among male renal transplant recipients. Methods: A retrospective chart review of male patients over 50 who underwent renal transplantation at University of California, Davis between the years 1994 and 2006 was performed. Data extracted from the medical records included age, body mass index (BMI), race, pre- and postoperative PSA, and creatinine. Student's T-test, linear and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to compare treatment groups. Results: We identified 19 male patients who were treated with Rapamycin and 78 with FK506. The cohorts were similar in age, race, BMI and postoperative serum creatinine level. Mean preoperative PSA for those on Rapamycin and FK506 were 1.8 and 1.7, respectively (p-value 0.89). Mean postoperative PSA was significantly lower for those on Rapamycin compared to those on FK506 (0.9 and 1.9, respectively; p-value <0.001). In a multivariate model, only preoperative PSA (OR 2.18; 95% CI, 1.90–2.52) and type of immunosuppression (OR 2.62; 95% CI, 1.96–3.51) remained statistically significant variables in determining postoperative PSA. Conclusions: Renal transplant recipients on rapamycin for immunosuppression experience a significant decrease in PSA when compared to those on FK506. Therefore, this raises the question as to whether rapamycin in these patients is acting as a chemopreventive agent against prostate cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy for Localized Prostate Cancer in Renal Transplant Patients

To investigate the feasibility of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in renal transplant recipients with clinically localized prostate cancer. A prospective protocol was established between August 2004 and November 2007. In that period, 8 patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer were submitted to RRP, and their clinicopathologic data were reviewed. The mean age (+/- standard deviation) at surgery was 59.6 +/- 6.7 years (range, 49-67 years). All patients had T1C tumors, except for 1 with a T2A tumor. The mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen value was 4.5 +/- 1.8 ng/mL (range, 1.6-7.0 ng/mL). The mean interval between renal transplantation and RRP was 89.9 +/- 65.1 months (range, 40-209 months). The procedure was well tolerated without major complications, and all patients were discharged on the fifth postoperative day. There was no impairment to bladder descent caused by the presence of the allograft or the ureteroneocystostomy. Urethrovesical anastomosis was easily performed in all cases in the standard manner. Blood transfusion was needed in 2 patients (1 received 2 U and another 5 U of blood). The mean operative duration was 183 +/- 29.7 minutes (range, 150-240 minutes), the mean estimated blood loss was 656 +/- 576 mL (range, 100-2000 mL), and no deterioration of graft function was observed. All patients were followed, and the mean follow-up was 10.5 months (range, 2-30 months). Prostate-specific antigen was undetectable in all cases during this time frame. Radical retropubic prostatectomy in renal transplant patients is safe, effective, and can be easily performed in the same manner as described by Walsh, regardless of the presence of the allograft. The only necessary technical modification is the avoidance of ipsilateral lymphadenectomy to prevent damage to the transplanted organ.

Open Prostatectomy Is Still a Valid Option for Large Prostates: A High-Volume, Single-Center Experience

To evaluate, in a retrospective, single-center trial, our open prostatectomy outcomes and complications in the past 12 years to emphasize the feasibility of open prostatectomy for large prostates. A total of 1193 patients underwent open prostatectomy from 1995 to 2007. We retrospectively analyzed the data from 664 patients who had preoperative, operative, and postoperative data available. The mean patient age was 67.5 years (range 52-86). The mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen value was 9.6 ng/mL (range 1.65-45.6). The mean prostatic weight was 88.7 g (range 45-324) and was significantly different for the 1995-2001 and 2002-2007 groups (73.6 vs 98.2 g, respectively). Of the 664 patients, 208 (31%) had had an indwelling catheter before surgery. The average International Prostate Symptom Score was 21.7 (range 13-32) preoperatively and 10.6 (range 8-18) postoperatively (P <.005). The average hospitalization was 6.74 days (range 4-14). Blood transfusion was required in 12.7% of the patients either intraoperatively or postoperatively. Postoperatively, 82 patients (12.3%) had urinary tract infections, 22 (3.2%) had bladder neck obstruction, 5 (0.7%) had urinary incontinence, and 15 (2.3%) had a ureteral meatus stricture. Open prostatectomy is a feasible treatment option for patients with a large prostate and also for patients with additional bladder pathologic findings such as bladder calculi or diverticula for whom endoscopic treatment modalities are not appropriate. Consequently, open prostatectomy is still the primary option for patients with a prostate greater than 100 cm(3) and preserves its importance in urology practice, even in the presence of endoscopic innovations.

Prognosis of Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate Treated by Radical Prostatectomy

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate is one of the least common variants of prostate cancer. The prognosis of this variant of prostate cancer remains controversial. We present 47 cases (1991 to 2006) of mucinous carcinomas treated by radical prostatectomy. Mean patient age at diagnosis was 56 years (range: 44 to 69 y). The mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 9.0 ng/mL (range: 1.9 to 34.3 ng/mL). Clinical stages were T1c (34 cases), T2a (7 cases), and T2b (6 cases). The mean percentage of tumor composed of the mucinous component was 52% (range: 25% to 90%). The mean Gleason score was 7 with scores of 6 in 6 cases (12.8%), 7 in 37 cases (78.7%), and 8 in 4 cases (8.5%). Margins were positive in 4 cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Only 2 cases had isolated margin positivity in the nonmucinous acinar component of cancer. In 12 cases (25.5%), mucinous adenocarcinoma had established extraprostatic extension (EEPE). Eight cases (17.0%) had isolated EEPE of nonmucinous cancer. The 1 lymph node metastasis contained nonmucinous cancer. All together, taking into account both the mucinous and nonmucinous tumor, 20/47 cases (42.5%) had EEPE and 6/47 (12.7%) had positive margins. The 1 lymph node metastasis contained nonmucinous cancer. The mean follow-up for those without progression was 5.6 years (median 6 y, range: 1 to 15 y). One patient (2.1%) progressed 3 years after his radical prostatectomy (5 y actuarial progression-free risk 97.2%). Using the Kattan nomogram, the predicted mean 5-year PSA progression-free risk for nonmucinous prostate cancer with the same PSA and postoperative findings as in the current study was 85.4%. This study confirms that mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated by radical prostatectomy is not more aggressive, and possibly even less aggressive than nonmucinous prostatic adenocarcinoma.

The cost of radical prostatectomy: retrospective comparison of open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted approaches.

New technologies are regularly being used for surgical treatment of prostate cancer, however the cost associated is often a secondary issue. We assessed the operative costs incurred by using the daVinci robot assisted prostatectomy (RAP) method compared to pure laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP). We retrospectively analyzed three techniques of radical prostatectomies: ORP, LRP, and RAP (n=70, 57, 106, respectively). The mean patient age was 53.6, 57.6, and 60 with a mean preoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA) of 7.2, 8.4, and 6.6, respectively. The mean Gleason score was 6. Operative cost was measured for each patient. Charts were reviewed to assess individual patients postoperative requirements, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Intraoperative data show costs to be higher with the RAP and LRP compared to open surgery. Average total operating room (OR) costs per case were $5410, $3876, and $1870 for RAP, LRP, and open prostatectomy, respectively. However when comparisons are made in the postoperative period with regard to LOS, there is a significant advantage of the RAP and LRP groups over open surgery (P<0.05). Intraoperative costs are highest for RAP. Both LRP and RAP are associated with a shorter hospital stay.

3-Year Actuarial Biochemical Recurrence-Free Survival Following Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Experience From a Tertiary Referral Center in the United States

We performed a prospective analysis of pathological and oncological outcomes following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at a medical center in the United States. A total of 528 men underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between April 2001 and August 2005. We excluded 4 open surgical conversions (0.8%) and 16 men (3.0%) without followup. The remaining 508 men had a mean preoperative prostate specific antigen of 6.0 ng/ml (range 0.3 to 27) and Gleason score of 6.3 (range 6 to 10). Stage was cT1b in 1 case (0.2%), cT1c in 350 (68.9%), cT2a in 135 (26.6%), cT2b in 21 (4.1%) and cT2c in 1 (0.2%). Of the patients 89% underwent cavernous nerve preservation. Biochemical recurrence was defined and timed at the first prostate specific antigen of 0.2 ng/ml or greater if at repeat testing it remained 0.2 ng/ml or greater. Mean followup was 13.2 months (median 12, range 2 to 52). Pathological stage was pT0N0/Nx in 2 men (0.4%), pT2N0/Nx in 414 (81.5%), pT3aN0/Nx in 72 (14.2%), pT3bN0/Nx in 17 (3.3%) and pT2-3N1 in 3 (0.6%). Positive margin rates increased with higher stage (8.2% in pT2 and 39.3% in pT3 cases, p <0.0001). Three-year actuarial biochemical recurrence-free survival was 98.2% for pT2N0/Nx and 78.7% for pT3N0/Nx/N1 disease (p <0.0001), and it was 94.5% overall. Multivariate analysis controlling for age, preoperative prostate specific antigen, postoperative Gleason score and stage, and margin status showed that only Gleason score (greater than vs less than 7) and stage (pT3 or any N1 vs pT2) predicted biochemical progression. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy can provide excellent cancer control outcomes for clinically localized prostate cancer with high actuarial biochemical recurrence-free survival rates at 3 years.

Outcomes of Robotic Prostatectomy for Treating Clinically Advanced Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Robotic prostatectomy (RP) has been widely performed for treating clinically localized prostate cancer (PC), whereas for treating clinically advanced PC, prostatectomy is usually done by open methods. We evaluated the outcomes of RP for treating patients with clinically advanced PC as compared with the outcomes of RP for treating patients with clinically localized PC. Materials and Methods: We performed RP in 273 patients with the da VinciR robot system through a transperitoneal approach. Ninety-two patients had clinically advanced PC (Group I) and 181 patients had clinically localized PC (Group II). We compared the perioperative variables and early surgical outcomes between the two groups. Results: The two groups did not show significant differences for their mean age, but the mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and biopsy Gleason scores were significantly higher in Group I. There were no significant differences in the mean operation time (Group I: 214.9±45.1 min, II: 217.8±49.0 min, p=0.709), the estimated blood loss (Group I: 382.8± 281.5ml, II: 387.5±369.5ml, p=0.934), the duration of bladder catheterization (Group I: 12.0±2.8 days, II: 12.9±4.6 days, p=0.232), the hospital stay (Group I: 5.9±3.5 days, II: 5.0±2.4 days, p=0.154), and the time to start the postoperative regular diet (Group I: 2.5±1.5 days, II: 2.0±0.6 days, p=0.089) between the two groups. There was a significant difference in lymph node invasion (p<0.001), but no difference in the positive surgical margin (p= 0.180). Two out of the 4 intraoperative rectal injuries occurred in the clinically advanced PC group, but they were closed primarily without specific problems, except for 1 case. Conclusions: Our results suggest that RP may be performed safely for patients with clinically advanced PC. (Korean J Urol 2008;49:325-329) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏

Rising PSA in patients with minor LUTS without evidence of prostatic carcinoma: a missing link?

To determine the role of pressure flowmetry in patients without bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and diagnosed as having clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after negative (multiple) extended multi-site biopsy. The study enrolled patients with minor LUTS who were referred to our urological practice by their general practitioner because of a rising PSA level (>/=4 ng/ml). After exclusion of clinical prostatic carcinoma by digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound, all patients underwent at least one set of extended multi-site biopsies to exclude T1c prostate cancer. Patients with negative biopsies (clinical BPH) were subjected to pressure flowmetry whereafter those with bladder outlet obstruction underwent TURP. The study included 82 patients, with a mean age of 64.8 years (50.2-78.2 years), satisfying the inclusion criteria. Urodynamic analysis showed that all patients had bladder outlet obstruction. After TURP, eight patients (9.8%) were diagnosed as having histologically proven prostate cancer; 74 patients (90.2%) were diagnosed as having BPH. Patients of the BPH group had a mean preoperative PSA level of 8.8 ng/ml (4.3-25.8 ng/ml) and a mean international prostate symptom score of 8.8 (2-18). The mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow in BPH patients was 89.5 cmH(2)O (20-200 cmH(2)O). An increased PSA in patients with minor or no LUTS, clinical BPH and negative extended multi-site prostate biopsy is strongly correlated to bladder outlet obstruction. Therefore, patients with these characteristics should be treated with TURP.

Laparoscopic Radioisotope-Guided Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection in Staging of Prostate Cancer

ObjectivesTo present our experience in laparoscopic sentinel lymph node (SLN) dissection in staging of clinically localized prostate cancer. MethodsFrom November 2001 to January 2005 laparoscopic SLN dissection was performed in 140 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer preceding radical prostatectomy. Mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 8.26ng/ml (SD 9.46). At 24h before surgery, 2ml 99mTc-labeled human albumin (2ml/200 MBq) colloid was injected into the prostate gland under transrectal ultrasound guidance. Prostatic SLNs were detected by preoperative planar scintigraphy and intraoperative scanning with a specially designed laparoscopic γ probe. The detected nodes were dissected and evaluated on frozen section. In case of positive frozen section extended lymph node dissection was performed. ResultsSLN was identified on both or one pelvic sidewall in 96 (68.1%) and 36 (25.7%) of the patients, respectively. SLNs were undetectable in 8 (5.7%) cases. In 48.2% (135 of 280) of the pelvic sidewalls, SLNs were exclusively outside the obturator fossa. Final histopathologic examination revealed SLN metastases in 19 (13.5%) patients; 71.4% (20 of 28) of the detected metastases were outside the current standard of lymph node dissection limited to the obturator fossa. Mean tumor size was 2.3mm (SD 1.7). ConclusionsOur data confirm the reliability of laparoscopic SLN dissection in staging of prostate cancer. Significant numbers of detected metastases were outside of the routinely sampled obturator fossa. Small metastasis size makes them undetectable by currently available preoperative imaging modalities.

Pathologic outcome of laparoscopic and open radical prostatectomy

Objectives To compare the clinicopathologic data of 286 laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (LRPs) and 714 open radical prostatectomies (RRPs) performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 2001 to 2005. Methods A total of 1000 radical prostatectomy procedures were analyzed for prostate weight, pathologic stage, Gleason score, surgical margin status, and positive margin location. Results The mean patient age was 58.6 and 59.1 years for the LRP and RRP groups, respectively. The mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen level was 5.96 and 6.00 ng/mL, respectively. Clinical Stage T1c cancer was seen in 86.4% of the LRP and 90.5% of the RRP patients. Gleason score 7 or less disease was seen on biopsy in 97.5% of the LRP and 96.9% of the RRP patients. The average prostate weight was 46.8 g for LRP and 46.0 g for RRP. In the radical prostatectomy specimens, 94.4% of LRP and 93.3% of RRP patients had Gleason score 7 or less disease and 86.0% of LRP and 81.7% of RRP patients had pathologic Stage pT2 cancer. The rate of positive surgical margins was 15.0% and 17.4% for the LRP and RRP groups, respectively. The positive margins occurred mainly at the peripheral and apical regions in both groups. No significant difference was found in the preoperative variables or final pathologic findings between the two surgical groups. Conclusions With similar case selection, LRP and RRP achieve similar pathologic outcomes.

Prostate cancer in Korean men exhibits poor differentiation and is adversely related to prognosis after radical prostatectomy

Objectives To investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of prostate cancer in Korean men to determine how ethnic differences affect clinical outcome. Methods The clinical and pathologic data of 604 Korean men who underwent radical prostatectomy from 1994 to 2003 were reviewed. Biochemical failure was defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 0.2 ng/mL or greater on two consecutive occasions after having achieved an undetectable PSA level. Patient distribution with respect to the clinical and pathologic parameters and biochemical failure rates were compared with those of contemporary Western series. Results The mean preoperative PSA level was 9.9 ng/mL (range 0.4 to 38.8) and the median biopsy Gleason score was 7. The Gleason score was 7 in 186 patients (30.8%) and greater than 7 in 169 (28.0%). Gleason scores stratified with respect to clinical stage and PSA range revealed the proportion of patients with high Gleason scores (7 or greater) to be more than 50% of each subgroup throughout the clinical stages and PSA ranges. At a median follow-up of 57.9 months (range 22 to 131), biochemical failure occurred in 24.2% of all patients and in 14.3% of those with an initial serum PSA level of 10.0 ng/mL or lower. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, the Gleason score showed the strongest statistical significance for biochemical failure ( P = 0.001, hazard ratio 1.376, 95% confidence interval 1.056 to 1.792) for patients with a serum PSA level of 10.0 ng/mL or lower. Conclusions A significant proportion of prostate cancers arising in Korean men exhibit poor differentiation, regardless of the initial serum PSA level or clinical stage at presentation, and adversely affect prognosis, causing a greater rate of PSA failure.

Postoperative urinary continence after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has shown excellent results concerning patient morbidity, with less blood loss compared to conventional surgery. Robot-assisted laparoscopy offers several additional important technical improvements and therefore it might be suggested that robotic radical prostatectomy would also offer surgical advantages. The objective of this study was to evaluate urinary continence for the first 72 cases of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy performed by a single surgical team. We analysed the outcomes of the first 72 consecutive patients to undergo robot-assisted prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer at our hospital between January 2002 and May 2004. A self-administered questionnaire concerning urinary status was mailed to the patients 3 and 6 months after surgery. Pre- and peroperative characteristics were obtained from patient medical records. The mean age was 61.2 years (range 36-71 years) and the mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen level was 6.3 ng/ml (range 2.3-10.7 ng/ml). The preoperative clinical stage was T1c, 67%, T2, 28% and T3, 5% and the mean Gleason sum was 6 (range 5-9). Sixty-one of the 68 patients (90%) reported no use of pads and 6 (9%) used a maximum of 1 pad/day 3-6 months after surgery. One patient reported use of >1 pad/day 6 months after surgery. Three significant complications were noted: ureter injury, haemorrhage and femoral nerve injury. In this series, which represents the learning curve for one surgical team, only a tenth of the patients still required pads 3-6 months after surgery. Considering the short follow-up period, the results in this series will probably improve over time.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for prostates of &gt;125 mL

To examine a group of patients treated with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and with the bladder outlet obstructed by an exceptionally large (>125 mL) prostate, as such men are often not considered candidates for endoscopic treatments and historically have required open surgery. We analysed retrospectively all patients with prostates of > 125 mL on transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) who underwent HoLEP between January 2000 and January 2005. Eighty-six patients were identified; their mean (range) age was 72.6 (48-90) years and prostate volume 170.2 (125-309) mL. Their mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 9.82 ng/mL and preoperative American Urologic Association symptom score (AUA-SS) was 19.6. The mean operative duration and hospital stay were 128.1 min and 26.1 h, respectively. The mean weight of tissue enucleated was 140.2 g. At the 1-month follow-up the mean AUA-SS (63 men) was 8.4 and at 6 months (35 men) it was 6.4. The mean serum PSA level in 48 patients was 0.96 ng/mL, a reduction of 90%. TRUS measurements in 20 patients gave a mean prostate volume of 30.8 mL, a reduction of 82%. At the 1-year follow-up the mean AUA-SS of 22 patients was 5.1. The present report details the largest series of patients, with the largest mean prostate size, treated by any endoscopic surgical method. HoLEP may be the ideal treatment for men with prostates of > 125 mL with symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction.

ENDOSCOPIC EXTRAPERITONEAL RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY: ONCOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL RESULTS AFTER 700 PROCEDURES

We review our experience with endoscopic (totally) extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE) as first line therapy for localized prostate cancer. A total of 700 consecutive patients underwent EERPE. Mean patient age was 63.4 years (range 42 to 77). Mean preoperative prostate specific antigen was 10.7 ng/ml (range 1.4 to 82). A total of 206 patients (29.4%) had a history of previous lower abdominal or pelvic surgery including inguinal hernioplasty with mesh placement and 43 patients (6.1%) had a history of prostatic intervention (transurethral resection of the prostate, high intensity focused ultrasound, Millin prostatectomy, radiotherapy). After preparation of the preperitoneal space the technique of EERPE duplicates the steps of classic open descending retropubic radical prostatectomy including a nerve sparing EERPE when indicated. Mean operative time was 151 minutes (range 50 to 320). There was no conversion and the transfusion rate was 0.9% in 6. Four patients (0.6%) had intraoperative rectal injuries which were treated endoscopically with a 2-layer suture. A total of 14 patients (2%) required early and 3 patients (0.4%) required late postoperative reintervention. Pathological stage was pT2a in 89 patients (12.7%), pT2b in 54 (7.7%), pT2c in 245 (35%), pT3a in 229 (32.7%), pT3b in 79 (11.2%) and pT4 in 4 patients (0.6%). Positive surgical margins were found in 10.8% (42 of 388) of patients with a pT2 tumor and in 31.2% (96 of 308) of patients with a pT3 tumor. Pelvic lymph node dissection was performed in 266 patients (38%), of whom 14 (5.3%) were found to have lymph node involvement. Mean catheterization time was 6.2 days. Six months after surgery 83.8% of the patients were completely continent, 10.4% needed 1 to 2 pads daily and 5.8% of patients needed more than 2 pads daily. Of all patients who underwent nerve sparing procedures, 100 patients had a postoperative followup of 6 months. Of the 66 patients with the unilateral nerve sparing approach 8 (12.1%) had erections sufficient for intercourse and 16 of 34 patients (47.1%) with the bilateral nerve sparing procedure had erections sufficient for intercourse with or without the help of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The results of this series are promising. Perioperative morbidity is low, and short-term oncological and functional results are favorable. Although the followup is too short to draw definite conclusions, it is obvious that a nerve sparing approach in EERPE is feasible and reproducible. Our data demonstrate that EERPE can be performed with equal efficacy and results compared with laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy, while providing the ease and safety of a totally extraperitoneal approach, completely avoiding intraperitoneal complications.

Short Term Outcomes of High Power (80 W) Potassium-titanyl-phosphate Laser Vaporization of the Prostate

Purpose: We have evaluated the safety and efficacy of 80 W potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser in the treatment of patients with lower urinary system symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Materials and methods: A total of 186 patients with LUTS have been evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) scoring questionnaire. Volume of prostate, postmictional volume of residual urine (PVR), maximum flow rate (Qmax) and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) values were determined. Laser vaporization of the prostate with an 80 W KTP was applied to all the patients. IPSS and QoL scores were evaluated on postoperative days 30, 90 and 180. The below values were measured on the postoperative days mentioned respectively: Qmax-15, 30 and 90; PSA-1, 15, 30 and 60; PVR-90. Results: The results of 186 patients, who underwent KTP laser treatment, have been evaluated. Mean age of the patients was 66 ± 8 (47–90). Mean volume of prostates, mean operative time and mean energy delivery were 48.1 ± 13.2 ml (26–70), 57 ± 17 minutes (10–120) and 105 ± 37 kJ (20–350), respectively. Following the procedures, Foley catheters were removed after a mean time of 7.59 ± 0.9 hours (6–13). Compared with the preoperative period, IPSS, QoL, PVR and Qmax values decreased significantly during the postoperative period ( p < 0.01). Mean preoperative PSA value was 2.59 ± 0.9 ng/ml (0.28–4). There were statistically significant increases in PSA values on postoperative day 1 ( p < 0.001). However, on postoperative day 15, PSA values decreased as low as preoperative values. There was moderate dysuria in 55 (30%) patients with a mean duration of 2 months and mild hematuria in 10 (18%) patients with a mean duration of 1 month postoperatively. Urinary tract infection occurred in 12 (6%) patients. None of the patients had fever or required re-catheterization. We observed contracture of the bladder neck in 2 (1%) patients and clot retention in 2 (1%) patients. Urinary incontinence due to operation was not observed. Conclusions: KTP laser vaporization of the prostate is a treatment method which can be used in patients at high risk of anestesia. This procedure is safe and effective in that it quickly relieves bladder outlet obstruction symptoms and has a low rate of postoperative complications. However, long-term follow-up studies are called for in order to ascertain whether the results of this procedure are durable or not.