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Erectile function following transurethral prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the true incidence and possible aetiology of impotence following transurethral prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 9-month-period 268 patients who were about to undergo transurethral prostatectomy were interviewed about their sexual function. Full details of each operation were recorded including size of prostate, operative time, grade of surgeon and the occurrence of capsular perforation. The interviews were repeated by letter or telephone 3 months after operation. RESULTS: Of the 268 men interviewed, 246 (91.8%) were suitable for inclusion in the study. Pre-operatively, 137 (55.7%) were fully potent, 43 (17.5%) could achieve a partial erection and 66 (26.8%) were impotent. Of the fully potent patients, 20 (14.6%) became partially potent and four (2.9%) became impotent post-operatively. Of those who were partially potent before operation, 16 (37.2%) became impotent post-operatively. Overall, the risk of impotence was 28.1% if the prostate capsule was breached at operation but only 10.0% if it was not (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In fully potent men the risk of impotence after transurethral prostatectomy is fairly low, but it is higher in men who already have a degree of erectile failure. The risk of impotence is related to the incidence of capsular perforation at the time of surgery.

Aged↗

The National Prostatectomy Audit: the clinical management of patients during hospital admission.

OBJECTIVE: To determine everyday practice in the hospital management of men undergoing prostatectomy and the extent of its variation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 5361 patients, who represented 89% of all those undergoing prostatic procedures in four health regions (Mersey, Wessex, Northern and South West Thames) and one test site (within Trent) were recruited by 103 (97%) surgeons. Clinical information was collected on a pre-coded data collection form which was completed during the hospital stay by the principal operator. Patient identification occurred at the time of surgery. RESULTS: Important findings included: (i) both older men and those of higher social class were more likely to undergo prostatectomy with fewer symptoms; (ii) men who waited longer for surgery had worse symptoms by the time of their operation; (iii) there were unexplained differences in routine pre- and post-operative investigation and treatment. Half the men had their flow rate or residual urine measured as part of their pre-operative assessment. About half the men received prophylactic antibiotics; (iv) when large groups were analysed, a consistent proportion of men throughout the study (12%) were undergoing the operation for a second time. The clinical course of men having a repeat operation differed in many ways from those having a first time procedure; (v) the larger proportion of men (62%) had surgery for strong indications as opposed to symptoms alone; (vi) although most operations were performed by consultants, emergency admissions, though symptomatically more severe and sicker, were more likely to be operated on by trainee surgeons; (vii) significant variation in mean pre-operative symptom severity and bother scores were seen between surgeons. CONCLUSION: The clinical management of prostatectomy has been defined in a large and representative UK sample. In some circumstances consistent variations have been identified. It is not yet clear whether these variations influence outcome. These data can be used by surgeons wishing to compare their own patient management with that described here.

Age Factors↗

Anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at radical prostatectomy preserves functional urethral length--a comparative urodynamic study.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the continence mechanism of anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at the time of radical prostatectomy using urodynamic evaluation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective pre- and post-operative urodynamic profiles were performed in patients receiving conventional posterior 'racket handle' closures (control group--eight patients) and those receiving anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at radical prostatectomy (study group--nine patients). Bladder neck tube reconstruction was performed by constructing 2 cm anterior bladder neck tubes over 22 F catheters. RESULTS: A significantly longer post-operative functional urethral length was demonstrated using urodynamic assessment in patients receiving an anterior bladder neck tube closure (4.6 vs 3.4 cm; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction may promote urinary continence in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy by preservation of functional urethral length.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Effect of age, comorbidity and type of surgery on perioperative complications and mortality of prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of age, type of surgery and comorbidities (cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, diabetes mellitus and renal impairment) on the peri-operative complications and mortality of prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 236 consecutive patients who underwent prostatectomy (171 by transurethral resection, TUR, and 65 by open procedure) were reviewed. Ninety patients at risk with one or more of the comorbidities were grouped together and compared with the remaining 146 fit patients. Also, 148 patients aged < or = 70 years were compared with 88 patients aged > 70 years. The peri-operative morbidity variables compared were haemorrhage, > or = 3 units of blood transfusion, bacteriuria, orchitis, pyrexia, uraemia and bed-stay. RESULTS: Mean post-operative bed-stay for patients at risk was significantly longer than that for fit patients (12 +/- 7 and 9.7 +/- 6 days, respectively). Mortality and the other morbidity variables, apart from post-operative bacteriuria which was more frequent in diabetics, were not significantly different between the groups. Similarly, comparing age groups revealed no significant differences. However, open surgery was associated with more haemorrhage, blood transfusion, post-operative pyrexia and a longer bed-stay. CONCLUSION: The comorbidities studied and age did not significantly influence the complications and mortality of prostatectomy. However, comorbidities prolonged post-operative bed-stay. Open surgery was associated with more bleeding and pyrexia and a longer bed-stay than TUR.

Adult↗

Eliminating the need for per-operative frozen section analysis of pelvic lymph nodes during radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To eliminate the need for per-operative frozen section analysis by using pre-operative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), clinical stage and Anderson biopsy grade to predict lymph node metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1988 and 1994, 214 patients underwent bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy before an intended retropubic radical prostatectomy for clinically confined prostate carcinoma. Preoperative serum PSA, clinical stage and Anderson biopsy grade were analysed to investigate whether they were able to predict the results of per-operative frozen sections of pelvic lymph nodes. RESULTS: Serum PSA level was the best predictor of a frozen section which was positive for lymph node metastasis, followed by biopsy grade. Clinical T-category combined with PSA level predicted lymph node status less well than did biopsy grade and had no additional value when combined with biopsy grade and PSA. Pre-operative serum PSA combined with biopsy grade predicted a negative frozen section result of bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy with 95% certainty in at least 17% of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically confined prostate cancer. Frozen section analysis had a false negative rate of 4.7% when compared with histological staging. Therefore, combining those patients with an estimated 95% chance of a negative frozen section with the group of false negatives, 11 in 214 patients (5.1%) would have undergone radical prostatectomy while having micrometastases. CONCLUSIONS: Selecting men for whom the per-operative frozen section analysis could be omitted may save operating time and allow more efficient use of facilities.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

The benefits of radical prostatectomy beyond cancer control in symptomatic men with prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the symptom-associated quality of life (QoL) after radical prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a prospective study (January 1999 to March 2001) of 50 consecutive men initially assessed in the nurse-led prostate assessment clinic for their LUTS and subsequently diagnosed to have localized prostate cancer. They had a radical retropubic prostatectomy and were assessed before, 3 and 6 months after surgery with a self-administered International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and QoL questionnaires, and measurements of urinary flow rate and postvoid residual urinary (PVR) volumes. Finally, each patient completed a self-administered continence questionnaire at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: In men with moderate to severe LUTS before surgery there were significant improvements in total IPSS, symptom-associated QoL, mean peak flow rate and PVR (P < 0.05). However, in eight men with mild LUTS, although there was a 33% improvement in the total symptom score, it was not statistically significant. Thirty-eight patients reported complete continence, nine had infrequent stress leaks only on heavy physical activity, and the remaining three used < 2 pads/day for protection before heavy physical activity at 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Radical prostatectomy provides major benefits to men with LUTS besides cancer control. These data are important in counselling patients about the treatment options, especially in view of the current enthusiasm for brachytherapy and conformal radiotherapy, which may worsen LUTS.

Aged↗

The total percentage of biopsy cores with cancer improves the prediction of pathological stage after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the simple variable 'percentage of cancer-positive biopsy cores' is a significant predictor of true pathological stage after radical prostatectomy and can be used to improve pathological stage prediction by simple means. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 375 patients had a radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer in two UK centres; 260 had complete preoperative staging information. Logistic regression was used and predicted probability graphs constructed to assess predictors of pathological stage. RESULTS: In this study, only PSA (P = 0.004) and percentage cancer-positive biopsy cores (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of pathological stage. The final model was an acceptable classifier for pathological stage (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.76, specificity 85%, sensitivity 47%). A patient with a PSA of 10 ng/mL and one of six cores positive for cancer would have a predicted probability of extraprostatic disease of 20%, whereas the same patient with all six biopsy cores positive would have a predicted probability of extraprostatic disease of 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of cancer-positive biopsy cores significantly predicts the disease stage after radical prostatectomy. This variable is easy to obtain by the clinician and avoids the need to estimate the percentage of biopsy tissue infiltrated by cancer. This readily available information can easily be computed and may help to counsel patients about realistic expectations of organ-confined disease in relation to surgery as a treatment option.

Aged↗

Radical prostatectomy for clinically advanced (cT3) prostate cancer since the advent of prostate-specific antigen testing: 15-year outcome.

UNLABELLED: In the first paper in this section, authors from the Mayo Clinic describe their experience and 15-year outcomes in the controversial subject of radical prostatectomy in patients with clinical T3 prostate cancer. The findings were interesting in many respects, but the authors concluded that radical prostatectomy as part of multimodal treatment for patients with clinical T3 disease offers cancer control and good survival rates. There follows a series of papers on both prostate cancer and bladder cancer, but the final paper in this section from the UK attempts to define the accuracy of urologists and oncologists in assessing patient life-expectancy. Using various methods they found that, rather disappointingly, doctors were poor at predicting 10-year survival, leading to the possible outcome that some patients may be denied treatment after a pessimistic assessment of life-expectancy. OBJECTIVE: To report a long-term experience with extirpative surgery in patients presenting with locally advanced (cT3) prostate cancer, as the best management of such patients remains a problem. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a single-institution retrospective study identifying 5652 men who had radical prostatectomy (RP) for histologically confirmed prostate cancer since the advent of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing (1987-97), 15% (842) had RP for cT3 disease. The median follow-up of these men was 10.3 years. Cancer-specific, overall and disease-free survival was plotted and compared with those of patients having RP for cT2 disease during the same period. Perioperative morbidity, continence and erectile function rates were examined, with a multivariate analysis for risk factors of disease recurrence. RESULTS: Freedom from local or systemic disease at 5, 10, and 15 years after RP for cT3 disease was 85%, 73% and 67%; the respective cancer-specific survival rates were 95%, 90% and 79%. Significantly many men who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy (27%) were clinically over-staged (pT2) and most men with pT3 disease (78%) received adjuvant therapy. The mean time to adjuvant therapy after RP was not significantly different between men with cT3 and cT2 disease (4.0 and 4.3 years). Pathological grade (> or =7), positive surgical margins, and nondiploid chromatin were all independently associated with a significant risk for clinical disease recurrence, while preoperative PSA level had little effect on outcome. Complications and continence rates after RP in patients with cT3 mirrored those in patients with cT2 disease. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly many patients with cT3 prostate cancer are overstaged (pT2) in the PSA era. RP as part of a multimodal treatment strategy for patients with cT3 disease offers cancer control and survival rates approaching those achieved for cT2 disease. Pathological grade, ploidy and margin status are all significant predictors of outcome after RP. Complications and incontinence rates in patients with cT3 disease mirror those after RP for cT2 disease.

Aged↗

A novel technique for approaching the endopelvic fascia in retropubic radical prostatectomy, based on an anatomical study of fixed and fresh cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: To present the anatomical basis and details of a technique for an approach to the endopelvic fascia devised to preserve urinary continence. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: For cross-sectional macroscopic observation, seven formalin-fixed specimens of the male pelvic contents including the pelvic wall were serially sectioned at a 5-mm thickness. Semi-serial sections from eight other specimens were examined histologically. Eight fresh cadavers were dissected to mimic the various steps in a retropubic radical prostatectomy. After approaching the endopelvic fascia in an anatomically determined manner to reach the paraprostatic space, the pubic bone was removed and nerves near the rhabdosphincter dissected. To assess the clinical implication of this approach, we examined the time to achieve continence in 23 consecutive patients who had a radical retropubic prostatectomy using the new technique. RESULTS: Sectional macroscopic observation depicted the fascia of the levator ani as a definite structure adherent to but not fused with the lateral pelvic fascia. The thin fascia overlying the levator ani fascia and lateral pelvic fascia represented the true endopelvic fascia. Microscopically, the lower part of the fascia of the levator ani was rich in smooth muscle, which interdigitated with the framework of the rhabdosphincter. In fresh cadavers, the levator ani muscle was removed laterally still covered by its fascia, without visualizing the muscle fibres. Small branches from the pudendal nerve entered the rhabdosphincter. The mean (sd, range) distance from the lowest point of the endopelvic fascia to the point where the sphincteric branch entered the rhabdosphincter was 5.5 (1.8, 3-8) mm. The continence rate at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after surgery using the new technique was 44%, 83%, 96% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preserving the fascia of the levator ani helps to protect the levator ani muscle, rhabdosphincter and pudendal nerve branches to the rhabdosphincter. In retropubic radical prostatectomy, this anatomical approach to the endopelvic fascia should preserve or allow the earlier recovery of urinary continence.

Aged↗

Gleason grading of prostate cancer in needle biopsies or radical prostatectomy specimens: contemporary approach, current clinical significance and sources of pathology discrepancies.

The Gleason grading system is a powerful tool to prognosticate and aid in the treatment of men with prostate cancer. The needle biopsy Gleason score correlates with virtually all other pathological variables, including tumour volume and margin status in radical prostatectomy specimens, serum prostate-specific antigen levels and many molecular markers. The Gleason score assigned to the tumour at radical prostatectomy is the most powerful predictor of progression after radical prostatectomy. However, there are significant deficiencies in the practice of this grading system. Not only are there problems among practising pathologists but also a relative lack of interobserver reproducibility among experts.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: minimum 3-year follow-up of the first 100 patients in the UK.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of the first 100 patients in the UK treated by laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and with at least 3 years of follow-up, as LRP continues to develop as a minimally invasive alternative to open radical prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 100 patients (mean age 62 years, range 52-72) had a transperitoneal LRP by one surgeon during a 25-month period from 2000 to 2002. Most (78%) patients had a prostate-specific antigen level of 4-10 ng/mL, clinical stage T1 disease (62%), and Gleason 6 on biopsy (50%). Sixty-four patients had unilateral or bilateral nerve preservation and 14 had pelvic lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: The mean operative duration was 245 min, with a 1% conversion rate. Three patients received a blood transfusion and three had major complications, including a rectal injury. The positive margin rate was 16% and correlated with pathological variables. At > or = 3 years of follow-up (mean 3.7) the overall survival rate was 99% and the biochemical progression-free survival was 88% in all patients, at 90% for pT2 and 75% for pT3. Ninety patients used 0-1 pads/day (84% pad-free) and 60 undergoing nerve preservation retained erectile function. CONCLUSION: This series includes the first results for LRP with a > or = 3-year follow-up reported from the UK, with oncological control and morbidity comparable to those in previously published open and laparoscopic series. The history of open radical prostatectomy suggests that as the technique of LRP develops and experience with it increases, these results are likely to improve.

Aged↗

Tumour volume is an independent predictor of prostate-specific antigen recurrence in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer.

UNLABELLED: Authors from the USA sought to establish the relationship between tumour volume, pathological stage and outcomes after radical prostatectomy. In a large series of patients they found that tumour volume was correlated directly with pathological stage, and that it was independently correlated with PSA recurrence. The authors suggested that tumour volume had a potential use for prognostication in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Two papers, one from the USA and one from Germany, advise a re-staging TUR in patients with superficial bladder cancer who are at high risk of early tumour progression. In a large series of patients they found that residual tumour after initial resection was commoner than might be expected, and that the second resection indicated the way to earlier radical treatment and a better prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To establish the relationship between tumour volume (TV), pathological stage and outcome after radical prostatectomy (RP), as TV is theoretically an important variable in prostate cancer pathology, but to date it has not been routinely reported and its independent prognostic significance is not well defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 431 consecutive patients undergoing RP for clinically localized cancer, from January 2000 to January 2002, who had a pathological examination of totally submitted whole-mount processed RP specimens. In addition to Gleason grade, tumour stage and margin assessment by standard techniques, TV was determined by digital planimetry. The total TV or index TV, for cases with obvious discrete separate tumours, were correlated with pathological stage and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence. RESULTS: The mean (range) follow-up was 25.4 (6-51) months, and the mean TV for all patients was 3.28 (0.4-38.8) mL. There was a direct correlation between TV and pathological stage (P < 0.001). The TV for organ-confined and extraprostatic disease was 2.09 and 6.02 mL, respectively (P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, TV was an independent predictor of PSA recurrence (P = 0.04). The mean TV for patients with PSA recurrence vs no recurrence was 6.8 and 2.6 mL, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TV correlates directly with pathological stage in RP specimens; furthermore, it is independently correlated with PSA recurrence. TV has potential use for prognostication in patients undergoing RP, and may be combined with other well established clinical variables to aid in predicting outcomes.

Adult↗

An improved technique for controlling bleeding during simple retropubic prostatectomy: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two techniques of open prostatic adenectomy (OPA) for controlling bleeding, as OPA is the most effective surgical method for alleviating obstructive symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but there is always a risk of peri-operative bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised a prospective and randomized analysis of 62 men with BPH who consecutively had OPA between January 2002 and September 2004. Two techniques were used: in group 1, patients had the Millin modified retropubic prostatectomy, and in group 2 they had a classical transvesical prostatectomy. Blood loss during and after surgery was analysed. RESULTS: The median (range) blood loss during surgery was 362 (50-700) and 640 (200-1500) mL for groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.007). The mean (sd) decrease in haemoglobin level from before to 1 day after surgery was 1.76 (0.31) and 3.15 (0.33) g/dL for groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001). When comparing the first and third days after surgery, there were no further significant decreases in levels for group 1, at 0.15 (0.31) g/dL (P = 0.175), but there was a significant decrease for group 2, at 0.74 (0.33) g/dL (P = 0.031). There was a similar decrease in haematocrit levels. While three patients from group 2 required a blood transfusion, only one from group 1 had to be transfused. CONCLUSION: The Millin technique, as modified by one of the present authors, can significantly control bleeding during and after surgery, and reduce transfusion rates, when compared to the classic transvesical prostatectomy.

Aged↗

Subtotal canine prostatectomy with the neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser.

A technique was developed for subtotal prostatectomy in dogs with the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. In six normal dogs, full-thickness necrosis of the prostate occurred if the central-lateral region within 5 mm of the urethra was photoablated at 60 watts for 1 second. Moderate to superficial necrosis occurred when the prostate within 5 mm of the urethra was photoablated at 35 watts for 2 seconds or 60 watts for 0.5 second. At necropsy, leakage of the urethra occurred in two dogs at sites treated at 60 watts for 1 second. In a clinical study, complications associated with subtotal prostatectomy with the Nd:YAG laser (n = 6) were compared with complications associated with prostatic drainage (n = 6) in dogs with prostatic disease. Intraoperative death (2/6 dogs) and nocturnal incontinence (4/4 surviving dogs) occurred with subtotal prostatectomy. Uncontrolled prostatic infection (2/6 dogs) occurred with prostatic drainage and resulted in the death of one dog on day 11. Four of five dogs surviving prostatic drainage developed recurrent urinary tract infection.

Abscess↗

Recent neuroanatomical studies on the neurovascular bundle of the prostate and cavernosal nerves: clinical reflections on radical prostatectomy.

The neurovascular bundle of the prostate and cavernosal nerves have been used to describe the same structure ever since the publication of the first studies on the neuroanatomy of the lower urogenital tract of men, studies that were prompted by postoperative complications arising from radical prostatectomy. In urological surgery every effort is made to preserve or restore the neurovascular bundle of the prostate to avoid erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the postoperative potency rates are yet to be satisfactory despite all advancements in radical prostatectomy technique. As the technology associated with urological surgery develops and topographical studies on neuroanatomy are cultivated, new observations seriously challenge the classical teachings on the topography of the neurovascular bundle of the prostate and the cavernosal nerves. The present review revisits the classical and most recent data on the topographical anatomy of the neurovascular bundle of the prostate and cavernosal nerves and their implications on radical prostatectomy techniques.

Erectile Dysfunction↗

Concentrations of ceftriaxone (1,000 milligrams intravenously) in abdominal tissues during open prostatectomy.

Ceftriaxone concentrations in abdominal tissues were evaluated at different stages of open prostatectomy. Ceftriaxone was administered as antibiotic prophylaxis, and 15 consecutive patients were given a single dose of ceftriaxone (1,000 mg intravenously in 1 min) 30 min before surgery. Ceftriaxone concentrations in tissue were determined at three stages of the surgical procedure; upon the opening of the abdominal cavity, during the prostatectomy, and upon the closure of the abdominal cavity. Samples of the following tissues or sample were assayed: epiploic and abdominal-wall fat; Retzius' space, bladder, and prostate tissue; and urine. During the different stages of the surgical procedure, for all patients, and in the different tested tissues, ceftriaxone concentrations greater than or equal to the cutoff point (4 micrograms/g of tissue) were measured. The highest concentrations were obtained in the bladder (43 +/- 18 micrograms/g) and in the prostate (35 +/- 18 micrograms/g). In fatty tissues, concentrations were between 13 +/- 5 and 22 +/- 8 micrograms/g. All patients (15 of 15) had ceftriaxone levels in tissue greater than the MICs for the potential pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis). In conclusion, during open prostatectomy and after the use of a single dose of ceftriaxone (1,000 mg), high antibiotic levels were obtained throughout the surgical procedure in the tissues potentially involved in postoperative infection.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Appropriate indications for prostatectomy in the UK--results of a consensus panel.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The use of formal consensus development to determine appropriate indications for prostatectomy and to identify factors underlying clinical decisions about appropriateness is described. DESIGN: A nominal group technique was used. SETTINGS: The study took place in an academic research institution. PARTICIPANTS: The panel consisted of six urologists and three general practitioners. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The panel identified agreed indications for prostatectomy, expressed in terms of different combinations of type of retention, type and severity of symptoms, and level of comorbidity. Agreement was reached for 67% of the indications considered. For acute on chronic retention, surgery is indicated, regardless of symptom severity, if life expectancy is greater than one year. For acute or chronic retention, surgery is generally indicated if symptoms are severe, or if symptoms are moderate and life expectancy is greater than five years. For patients with neither acute nor chronic retention, surgery is indicated if symptoms are severe, or if these are moderate and life expectancy is greater than five years. For chronic or acute retention surgery is inappropriate if symptoms are mild and life expectancy is less than one year, or if there is no retention and only mild symptoms. An "appropriateness score" was developed. This confirmed that in general the ratings were internally consistent, that the panel attached little weight to mild symptoms, that a combination of irritative and obstructive symptoms was no more indicative of surgery than obstructive symptoms alone, and that the type of symptom was less important than the other factors considered. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide a basis for population based surveys of the need for prostatectomy.

Acute Disease↗

Contrast-enhanced US of the prostate with Sonazoid: comparison with whole-mount prostatectomy specimens in 12 patients.

PURPOSE: To compare areas of contrast material enhancement in the prostate at ultrasonography (US) with whole-mount radical prostatectomy specimens to determine if the use of contrast material improves the detection rate of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transrectal US was performed in 12 subjects with cancer of the prostate prior to radical prostatectomy. Each gland was evaluated with conventional gray-scale and wide-band harmonic US at baseline and again during intravenous infusion of a microbubble contrast agent. Focal areas of contrast enhancement were identified prospectively in the transverse plane at the base, midgland, and apex of the prostate. US findings were then compared with whole-mount prostatectomy specimens. Baseline and contrast-enhanced findings were compared by using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Thirty-one foci of prostate cancer were present at pathologic evaluation, with multiple foci of cancer in 11 of the 12 glands. Three of 10 inner-gland cancers and five of 21 outer-gland cancers were detected at baseline imaging. Diffuse inner-gland enhancement was identified in all subjects during contrast agent infusion. Contrast-enhanced imaging demonstrated an additional five cancer foci in the outer gland (P =.025), for an overall sensitivity of 42% (13 of 31 foci). Seven additional sites of focal contrast enhancement were identified. Five of these sites corresponded to foci of hyperplasia. Two sites were false-positive with no pathologic abnormality. Increased flow was not demonstrated posteriorly in the midline, even when a tumor was present. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced US of the prostate with Sonazoid can improve sensitivity for the detection of cancers in the outer gland, but it can also demonstrate focal enhancement in areas of benign hyperplasia.

Aged↗