Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “PROSTATECTOMY”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,027 records · Page 57Linked to original sources

Preoperative neural network using combined magnetic resonance imaging variables, prostate-specific antigen, and gleason score for predicting prostate cancer biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and test an artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting biochemical recurrence based on the combined use of pelvic coil magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement, and biopsy Gleason score, after radical prostatectomy and to investigate whether it is more accurate than logistic regression analysis (LRA) in men with clinically localized prostate cancer. METHODS: We evaluated 191 consecutive men who had undergone retropubic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. None of the men had lymph node metastasis as determined by adequate follow-up and pathologic criteria. The preoperative predictive variables included clinical TNM stage, serum PSA level, biopsy Gleason score, and pMRI findings. The predicted result was biochemical failure (PSA level of 0.1 ng/mL or greater). The patient data were randomly split into four cross-validation sets and used to develop and validate the LRA and ANN models. The predictive ability of the ANN was compared with that of LRA, Han tables, and the Kattan nomogram using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis. RESULTS: Of the 191 patients, 57 (30%) developed disease progression at a median follow-up of 64 months (mean 61, range 2 to 86). Using all the input variables, the AUROC of the ANN was significantly greater (P <0.05) than the AUROC of LRA, Han tables, or the Kattan nomogram for the prediction of PSA recurrence 5 years after radical prostatectomy (0.897 +/- 0.063 versus 0.785 +/- 0.060, 0.733 +/- 0.061, and 0.737 +/- 0.071, respectively). Removing the pMRI findings from the previous models, the AUROC of the ANN decreased statistically significantly (P <0.05) and was comparable to the AUROC of conventional predictive tools (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using the pMRI findings, the ANN was superior to LRA, predictive tables, and nomograms to predict biochemical recurrence accurately. Confirmatory studies are warranted.

Adult↗

Effect of methylprednisolone on return of sexual function after nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether postoperative methylprednisolone improves the recovery of sexual function after nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy. METHODS: We randomized men undergoing bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy by a single surgeon to receive 6 days of placebo or methylprednisolone beginning on postoperative day 1. At 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, we assessed potency with the abbreviated International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and urinary continence with participant-reported pad use. We used the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and the two-sample t test with equal variances for comparisons between study groups. RESULTS: No operative complications occurred and 70 (100%) of 70 participants experienced normal wound healing. The odds of being potent for participants who received methylprednisolone (n = 34) compared with those who received placebo (n = 36) did not significantly differ at 3 (odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 1.05), 6 (odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 2.4), or 12 (odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 4.8) months. The mean International Index of Erectile Function scores did not significantly differ at 3 (P = 0.08), 6 (P = 0.50), or 12 (P = 0.71) months. At 12 months, 74% of the methylprednisolone and 71% of the placebo participants were potent (P = 0.8). The proportions of participants who were continent did not differ significantly at 3 (P = 0.89), 6 (P = 0.25), or 12 (P = 0.49) months. At 12 months, 96% of the methylprednisolone and 100% of the placebo participants were continent. CONCLUSIONS: At doses sufficient to produce a systemic anti-inflammatory effect, postoperative methylprednisolone was not associated with improved potency at up to 12 months after bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy in men 40 to 60 years old.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Robotic radical prostatectomy: a technique to reduce pT2 positive margins.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a technique using the da Vinci robotic system that enhances one's ability to visualize and dissect the apex and reduce surgical margins. An important outcome of radical prostatectomy is the reduction of iatrogenic positive margins in organ-confined prostate cancer. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The clinical data of our first 140 consecutive robot-assisted radical prostatectomies were divided into two groups: group 1, cases 1 to 50; and group 2, cases 51 to 140. After reviewing the surgical margin data and appropriate video clips of our initial 50 patients, we altered our technique. Initially, we had used two sutures to control the dorsal venous complex (DVC), one proximally and distally. The prostate was freed, and, finally, the DVC and urethra were divided. However, a bundle of fat obscured the apex, leading to positive apical margins. We developed the following method. First, we removed all of the fat overlying the DVC and prostate. Second, we divided the puboprostatic ligaments and dissected the levator fibers to expose and increase the DVC length fully. Finally, we stapled and divided the DVC using a vascular stapler. RESULTS: The two groups were clinically comparable. Overall, the pathologic margin rate improved from 36% in group 1 to 16.7% in group 2. In group 1, 9 (27.3%) of 33 pT2 tumors had positive margins versus 3 (4.7%) of 64 pT2 tumors in group 2 (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that this change in technique for robotic prostatectomy resulted in a more defined apical dissection and a statistically significant reduction in positive margins in patients with organ-confined disease.

Adult↗

Sildenafil citrate and vacuum constriction device combination enhances sexual satisfaction in erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of combining sildenafil citrate with a vacuum constriction device (VCD) in men (after radical prostatectomy) unsatisfied with the results of the VCD alone. METHODS: A total of 31 patients unsatisfied with the early use of VCD alone after radical prostatectomy (mean follow-up of 4.5 months) were instructed to take 100 mg of sildenafil 1 to 2 hours before VCD use for sexual intercourse. Patients used combination therapy for a minimum of five attempts before assessment with the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and a visual analogue scale to gauge rigidity. The effect of combination therapy on the total IIEF-5 score and penile rigidity score were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, 7 (22%) had no improvement with the addition of sildenafil with VCD and discontinued the drug, and 24 (77%) reported improved penile rigidity and sexual satisfaction. The IIEF-5 score revealed statistically significant improvement in each domain, and patients reported that sildenafil enhanced their erections 100% of the time. The penile rigidity scores on a scale of 0 to 100 with the VCD alone averaged 55% (range 23% to 85%) for the men and 59% (range 26% to 90%) for their partners. With the addition of sildenafil, it increased to 76% for the men and 82% for their partners. Of the 24 men, 7 (30%) reported a return of natural erections at 18 months using combination therapy, with 5 of 7 reporting erections sufficient for vaginal penetration. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the addition of sildenafil with VCD improved sexual satisfaction and penile rigidity in patients unsatisfied with VCD alone after radical prostatectomy.

Coitus↗

Increased intratumoral expression of prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids predicts for worse disease recurrence and progression after radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the impact of prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94) expression within the primary tumor on disease recurrence and progression using radical prostatectomy specimens from patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate. METHODS: PSP94 immunohistochemistry was performed on 59 radical prostatectomy specimens. The degree of PSP94 expression was reported as either present (group 1) or absent (group 2). Clinical data, including survival outcome measures, were correlated with PSP94 expression. RESULTS: The time to disease progression for group 1 was shorter compared with that for group 2 (P = 0.042). Disease-free survival was also less in group 1 than in group 2 (P = 0.033). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that PSP94 expression was an independent prognostic factor for a shorter interval to disease progression (P = 0.046) and disease-free survival (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: PSP94 expression in radical prostatectomy tumor specimens appears to be associated with worsened survival outcomes and may provide additional prognostic information.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Impact of obesity on clinical outcomes in robotic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the preoperative parameters and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with specific attention to the body mass index (BMI). Little is known about the impact of obesity (BMI greater than 30) on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. METHODS: The data of 100 men undergoing robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between June 2002 and October 2003 were prospectively entered into a database. The standard clinical characteristics (eg, prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score) and perioperative and postoperative parameters were evaluated. Additionally, all were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively for American Urological Association symptom and bother scores, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume, and sexual function. RESULTS: Nineteen men were obese (BMI greater than 30) and 81 were not (BMI less than 30). The two groups had a similar need for transfusion, length of stay, and pathologic outcome. However, the obese men had poorer baseline urinary function (peak flow rate 13.9 versus 18.3 mL/s; voided volume 306 versus 454 mL; P < or =0.05) and sexual function (Sexual Health Inventory of Men score 14.1 versus 18.2; P < or =0.05). Obese men had significantly more complications (26.3% versus 4.9%; P = 0.01) and required more time to return to baseline activities (7 versus 4.3 weeks; P = 0.09) and urinary function. Finally, at 6 months, only 47% of obese patients versus 91.4% of nonobese patients had achieved pad-free urinary continence (P < or =0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, obese patients had significantly worse baseline urinary and sexual function, had complications, and did not recover urinary function as quickly or as well as nonobese patients. Obese patients also demonstrated a strong trend toward a delay in recovery time.

Adult↗

Sling may hasten return of continence after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To place absorbable slings in 15 men at radical retropubic prostatectomy in an attempt to hasten recovery of continence. METHODS: Fifteen men underwent placement of a sling immediately after prostatectomy by a single surgeon. A strip of either porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) or polyglactin mesh was placed beneath the anastomosis. The initial five slings were tension free. The last 10 were tightened just to the point they began to elevate the anastomosis. A comparison was made with the same number of men who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy immediately before beginning this project. The average follow-up was 28.9 months. RESULTS: The first 5 sling patients (no tension) recovered complete bladder control in an average of 5.8 weeks. The 10 men with slings placed under slight tension were dry an average of 2.6 weeks after catheter removal, including 4 within 24 hours. One month later, 10 sling patients (67%) were continent, including 8 (80%) who had had the sling placed under slight tension. Six (40%) of 15 control patients were completely dry in that interval. Three months later, all but 1 sling patient (93%) was dry, but only 7 (47%) of 15 controls. All, except 1 control, were dry at 12 and 24 months. No complications were attributed to this maneuver, specifically no bladder neck contracture or retention occurred. No one in either group received incontinence treatment, although 2 control patients had either stricture or bladder neck contracture. CONCLUSIONS: The early results have been encouraging, but must be confirmed. Slight tension on the sling may be beneficial.

Absorbable Implants↗

Prosthetic mesh hernioplasty during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of simultaneous laparoscopic mesh prosthetic hernioplasty during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), because 5% to 10% of candidates for radical prostatectomy present with a detectable inguinal hernia at their preoperative physical examination. Moreover, data have suggested a greater incidence of inguinal hernia after open radical prostatectomy. METHODS: During 1035 LRP procedures, 50 laparoscopic mesh prosthetic hernioplasty procedures were performed in 37 patients (3.6%) for 13 bilateral and 24 unilateral inguinal hernias. We compared the outcome of LRP with simultaneous laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty (group 1) with that of 37 match-paired patients treated by LRP alone (group 2). Both groups were matched according to age, prostate-specific antigen level, prostate volume, pathologic stage, and Gleason score. Perioperative parameters (ie, operative time, analgesic requirements) and postoperative results were analyzed. RESULTS: The patient age was 64.1 +/- 6.4 years versus 62.8 +/- 4.9 years old and had a body mass of 26.5 +/- 3.0 versus 27.4 +/- 3.2 kg/m2 in groups 1 and 2 (with and without laparoscopic hernioplasty), respectively. The mean operating time (221.9 versus 191.2 minutes, P = 0.011) and the total amount of narcotic analgesic requirements (26.8 mg versus 17.5 mg, P = 0.026) was significantly increased in the patients who underwent simultaneous laparoscopic inguinal hernia mesh repair. No statistically significant difference was found in the complication rate (4% versus 2%), median catheter time (7 days), and positive surgical margins (21.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous repair of inguinal hernia during LRP using prosthetic mesh is feasible without adverse effects on surgical and functional parameters. Neither the transperitoneal nor extraperitoneal approach is associated with an increase in complications or morbidity. However, an extraperitoneal access allows an easier repair without the refixation of the peritoneum.

Digestive System Surgical Procedures↗

Efficacy of continuous local anesthetic infusion for postoperative pain after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a subfascial continuous infusion of local anesthetic in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy would result in a reduction in postoperative opioid requirements and an improvement in pain scores. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial in patients undergoing elective radical retropubic prostatectomy. A small catheter was placed subfascially at the end of surgery and attached to an elastomeric pump that administered either 0.5% bupivacaine or normal saline into the wound at a rate of 2 mL/hr until discharge on postoperative day 3. The outcomes assessed included the dosage of hydromorphone used by a patient-controlled analgesic system, a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at rest and with activity, a VAS of nausea, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were successfully randomized, with all patients completing the protocol. No differences were found between the groups with regard to VAS pain at rest, VAS pain with activity, intravenous or oral analgesic consumption, or VAS nausea scores. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous subfascial infusion of local anesthetic did not result in a postoperative reduction in opioid requirements or an improvement in pain scores in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Efficacy of prostatic fossa biopsy in detecting local recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of prostatic fossa biopsy in detecting local recurrence of prostate cancer in men with biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Between January 1997 and December 2002, 100 men without prior adjuvant therapy after radical prostatectomy underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy of the prostatic fossa. The TRUS findings, digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, serum total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level at TRUS, PSA velocity, and pathologic stage and Gleason score of the radical prostatectomy specimen were correlated with the biopsy results. RESULTS: Overall, 29 (29%) of the 100 men who underwent biopsy had documented local recurrence. The sensitivity and specificity of DRE to detect biopsy-proven local recurrence was 72.4% and 64.8%, respectively. The corresponding values for TRUS were 86.2% and 53.5%. None of the men with a serum PSA concentration of less than 0.5 ng/mL at biopsy who had normal results for both TRUS and DRE had a biopsy-proven local recurrence. By stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, abnormal TRUS findings and serum PSA concentration at biopsy were independent predictors for positive fossa biopsy results. The combination of TRUS and serum PSA concentration was the best predictive model for a positive fossa biopsy result. CONCLUSIONS: Prostatic fossa biopsy should be avoided in patients with both or either normal DRE or TRUS findings when the PSA level is less than 0.5 ng/mL.

Aged↗

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: evaluation of specimen pathologic features to critically assess and modify surgical technique.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) specimens for pathologic stage and the malignant and benign surgical margin status to determine areas for improvement in surgical technique. LRP is gaining significant attention as a viable alternative to retropubic radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A total of 110 consecutive LRP specimens were retrospectively reviewed. A single experienced genitourinary pathologist examined all slides. In addition, exposure of benign glands at the inked margin was reported. Oncologic data were assessed by standard pathologic examination for stage, grade, and margin status. The pathologic data from year 1 (group 1, 52 patients) were compared with the data from subsequent years (group 2, 58 patients). RESULTS: The overall positive surgical margin rate was 18.2% (13.5% for pT2 disease). Benign parenchymal exposure was identified in 16 patients (14.5%). Six of these patients had concomitant negative surgical margins for cancer. The positive margin rate for patients with Stage pT2 disease was 22.2% in group 1 and 5.9% in group 2. The positive margin rate was 34.8%, 13.6%, and 13.8% for bilateral, unilateral, and non-nerve-sparing procedures, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LRP offers comparable surgical margins to those of reported open prostatectomy series. Careful pathologic review provides feedback so that technique modifications can be implemented and the positive margin rates improved further. A low, but significant, positive margin or benign parenchymal exposure rate in pT2 disease indicates room for improvement in the surgical technique. The presence of benign glands at the inked margin is not routinely reported but does provide an additional parameter of surgical adequacy.

Adult↗

Modified running vesicourethral anastomosis after robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: use of solitary Lapra-Ty to secure posterior approximation.

OBJECTIVES: We describe a novel method of ensuring posterior approximation and preventing urinary leak during the running anastomosis of robotically assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. METHODS: Two 3-0 Monocryl RB-1 sutures are tied end-to-end. The undyed suture is placed first at the 5-o'clock position on the bladder side outside-in and then through the urethra at the same location inside-out. Proceeding clockwise, the suture is placed twice more through both the bladder and the urethra. With gentle manipulation, the suture is cinched down to provide secure posterior approximation; however, if tension is released from the suture coming from the urethra, the approximation may loosen and could result in a potential "gap" and site for anastomotic leakage. To prevent potential loosening, tension is maintained on the stitch as a single Lapra-Ty is placed at the base of the suture as it leaves the urethra. When the tension is released, the posterior approximation is tightly maintained and the remaining anastomosis is completed. RESULTS: We have performed 110 robotically assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies. Six urinary leaks requiring prolonged catheterization were identified in our first 90 patients (6.7%). We have not experienced any urinary leakage or short-term complications in the subsequent 20 patients using this technique. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a novel technique to ensure secure posterior approximation during the vesicourethral anastomosis after robotically assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. A single Lapra-Ty clip placed early during the anastomosis prevents potential "gaps" in the approximation that may be the source of troublesome leakage.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Acetyl-L-carnitine plus propionyl-L-carnitine improve efficacy of sildenafil in treatment of erectile dysfunction after bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) plus acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) improves the effectiveness of sildenafil in restoring sexual potency after bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy. METHODS: We analyzed the data from 96 patients who had undergone bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy: 33 were given placebo (group 1), 32 used PLC 2 g/day plus ALC 2 g/day plus sildenafil 100 mg when needed (group 2), and 35 used sildenafil alone (group 3). The studied variables were sexual function (assessed through sexual behavior interviews and the International Index of Erectile Function), peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity of cavernosal arteries (assayed by dynamic echo-color Doppler), the percentage of patients able to achieve a positive intracavernous injection test, and side effects. RESULTS: Placebo proved ineffective and sildenafil and sildenafil plus ALC and PLC proved effective. The International Index of Erectile Function-15 scores of the group 2 patients were significantly greater than those of group 3 in the following domains: erectile function, sexual intercourse satisfaction, orgasm, and general sexual well-being. The drugs did not significantly modify the score in the sexual desire domain or in the peak systolic velocity or end-diastolic velocity of the cavernosal arteries. Sexual behavior interviews revealed that 2 of 29 in group 1, 28 of 32 in group 2, and 20 of 39 in group 3 attained satisfactory sexual intercourse (P <0.01). Only group 2 had a significantly increased percentage of patients with a positive intracavernous injection test after therapy (36.4% versus 63.6%; P <0.01). ALC plus PLC did not significantly improve the side effects of sildenafil. CONCLUSIONS: PLC and ALC proved to be safe and reliable in improving the efficacy of sildenafil in restoring sexual potency after bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Acetylcarnitine↗

Impact of obesity on prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy: data from CaPSURE.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between obesity and prostate cancer recurrence after primary treatment with radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Data were abstracted from CaPSURE, a disease registry of 10,018 men with prostate cancer. We included 2131 men who had undergone radical prostatectomy between 1989 and 2003 and had body mass index (BMI) information available. Recurrence was defined as two consecutive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of 0.2 ng/mL or greater or any second treatment. Patients were risk stratified using the PSA level, Gleason grade, and clinical T stage. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a median of 23 months. Of the 2131 patients, 251 (12%) developed recurrence at a median of 13 months (range 1 to 107); 183 (9%) of these men had PSA failure and 68 (3%) received a second treatment. After adjusting for risk group, ethnicity, age, and comorbidities, a significant association was found between an increasing BMI and disease recurrence (P = 0.028). Very obese patients (BMI 35 kg/m2 or more) were 1.69 times more likely to have recurrence relative to men of normal weight (BMI less than 25.0 kg/m2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 2.84). An increasing PSA level (P <0.0001) and Gleason grade (P <0.0001) were also associated with recurrence. Ethnicity was not significantly associated with either BMI or PSA recurrence (P = 0.685 and P = 0.068, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that obesity is an independent predictor of prostate cancer recurrence. Because of the increased comorbidities and greater rates of recurrence, obese individuals undergoing radical prostatectomy need vigilant follow-up care.

Adult↗

Evaluation of concordance of Gleason score between prostatectomy and biopsies that show more than two different Gleason scores in positive cores.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate variables that may predict the Gleason score of radical prostatectomy specimens in patients with more than two different Gleason scores in the positive cores of their biopsy specimens. METHODS: We reviewed the pathologic data of 98 patients who had more than two different Gleason scores in 12-site biopsy specimens. We assessed the following biopsy parameters: the greatest Gleason score on the biopsy specimen, the Gleason score of the greatest tumor percentage in the core, the Gleason score of the largest linear cancer length, and the greatest tumor ratio score (Gleason score of the greatest total tumor length of the same Gleason score/total core length of the same Gleason score). We also assessed the concordance in Gleason scores between biopsy specimens and prostatectomy specimens. RESULTS: The greatest tumor ratio score was associated with the greatest (67%) concordance rate. The concordance of the greatest Gleason score on biopsy specimens was only 49%. When stratified into categories of well-differentiated (Gleason score 6 or less), moderate (Gleason score 7), and poorly differentiated (Gleason score 8 or more), the grade concordance rate of the greatest tumor ratio score was 73%. The grade concordance rate of the Gleason scores of the greatest tumor percentage in the core, Gleason score core with maximal tumor length, and the greatest Gleason score was 64%, 62%, and 57%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: If biopsy specimen results in more than two different Gleason scores in the positive cores, the greatest tumor ratio score may be the most useful variable with regard to the prediction of the final Gleason score in the radical prostatectomy specimen.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Influence of blood transfusions during radical retropubic prostatectomy on disease outcome.

OBJECTIVES: Blood transfusion in patients with malignant neoplasms may alter the disease outcome because of a theoretical immunomodulatory effect. This effect may reduce prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-free and disease-specific survival in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. However, the results in published studies have been contradictory, and this effect has not yet been determined. METHODS: We evaluated 1412 patients after radical prostatectomy from 1984 to 2003 in a retrospective analysis, with a special focus on the rate and type of blood transfusions, specifically heterologous versus autologous blood. Univariate analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to evaluate the impact of blood transfusions on disease outcome. RESULTS: The overall transfusion rate was 56.7%. The rate dropped from 88.9% in 1988 to 9.1% in 2002. PSA recurrence (greater than 0.5 ng/mL) was noted in 11.0% in patients without and in 26.0% with blood transfusions, which was not statistically significant on Kaplan-Meier analysis. Again, no difference was noted when patients were stratified according to the type (autologous versus heterologous) or the amount (2 U or less versus more than 2 U) of blood transfusion. Evaluating overall survival, again no differences were found. The established Cox regression model also proved that blood transfusions had no impact on disease outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective analysis did not detect any effect of blood transfusions in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. If a negative adverse effect occurs, this effect must be minimal. However, the infectious risk and the costs of blood transfusions should be reason enough to reduce blood loss and the transfusion rate further in patients with prostate cancer.

Aged↗

Cancer progression after anterograde radical prostatectomy for pathologic Gleason score 8 to 10 and influence of concomitant variables.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and pathologic Gleason score 8 to 10 disease treated by anterograde radical prostatectomy, either alone for node-negative disease or with early hormonal therapy for node-positive disease, and to characterize the prognostic significance of other pathologic variables. METHODS: A total of 729 patients underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer between 1989 and 2003. We identified 116 patients (15.9%) with specimen Gleason score 8 or greater. The mean follow-up was 48 months (range 6 to 145). RESULTS: The 5-year biochemical-free survival rate for those with pT2, pT3a, and pT3b diseases was 100%, 65.1%, and 10.5%, respectively (P < or =0.05). The 5-year biochemical-free survival rate for those with specimen Gleason score 8 and 9 was 72.1% and 38.2%, respectively (P < or =0.05). The incidence of positive surgical margins was 14.6% and led to a high pT3a specimen-confined detection rate. The preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, primary Gleason pattern, and surgical margin status had no statistically significant impact on biochemical recurrence-free survival. The multivariate Cox model showed seminal vesicle invasion to be the only independent prognostic factor. The 3 and 5-year progression-free survival rate of the 45 node-positive patients was 72.6% and 60.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize the need for early diagnosis, which can make this disease curable by radical prostatectomy alone, and show that poorly differentiated prostate cancer that has invaded the capsule can be cured by surgery. Biochemical recurrence represented a common event in pT3b and Gleason score 9 disease, suggesting a possible role for early adjuvant treatment.

Aged↗

Impact of comorbidity on health-related quality of life in men undergoing radical prostatectomy: data from CaPSURE.

OBJECTIVES: Comorbidity is one of many factors that may affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in men with prostate cancer. We hypothesized that the number and type of comorbidities negatively affect HRQOL in men undergoing radical prostatectomy. METHODS: We reviewed HRQOL outcomes before and up to 2 years after radical prostatectomy for men with localized prostate cancer in the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE), a longitudinal disease registry. This analysis focused on 856 men who completed a pretreatment survey and at least one posttreatment survey. HRQOL was assessed using the University of California, Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index (six subscales) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form questionnaire (eight subscales and two summary scales). The associations between HRQOL and the number and type of comorbidities were analyzed using repeated measures during a 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Preoperatively, men with no comorbidities had greater HRQOL scores than did men with comorbidities for physical health and disease-specific measures, but not for mental health measures. Only sexual function and the physical component summary scores showed a significant interaction between the number of comorbidities and time (P < 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). Significant interactions with time were observed for other urinary conditions, gastrointestinal disease, heart disease, and hypertension on at least one HRQOL domain. CONCLUSIONS: Men with comorbidities had worse HRQOL scores than men without comorbidities, both before and after radical prostatectomy. However, with two exceptions, the scores declined at similar rates after surgery. Specific comorbidities also had an association with certain HRQOL domains. Therefore, during preoperative counseling, clinicians should consider a patient's number and type of comorbidities.

Aged↗