Transition zone biopsy and prediction of extraprostatic extension at radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND: There is limited data in the literature that suggests that transition zone (TZ) biopsy might be useful for the prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) in clinically localized prostate cancer. We studied the role of TZ biopsy in the prediction of EPE. METHODS: Transition zone biopsies were performed in addition to systematic peripheral zone (PZ) biopsies between November 1995 and December 1999. During this period, 59 patients underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized disease. Final pathological results were compared with preoperative clinical and biopsy findings. RESULTS: Of the 59 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, 46 had cancer only in the PZ cores and 13 had cancer both in the PZ and the TZ cores at the biopsy. Final histopathological results revealed EPE in 19 (32%) patients and positive surgical margins in 22 (37%). In univariate analysis of age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), mean percentage of positive PZ cores, mean biopsy Gleason score and positive TZ biopsy, there was a significant difference for serum PSA levels (P = 0.021), presence of positive TZ cores (P = 0.018) and percentage of positive PZ cores in patients with and without EPE (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the single independent predictor of EPE was the percentage of positive PZ biopsy cores (P = 0.0227). There was agreement between the side of positive TZ biopsy and EPE in seven of eight patients. CONCLUSION: Taking two TZ cores in addition to peripheral sextant biopsy did not result in better prediction of EPE. The relationship between TZ involvement and the presence of EPE can be investigated further in radical prostatectomy specimens.     

Nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy

A newly developed technique for radical retropubic prostatectomy that allows for preservation of sexual potency in the majority of patients is described. This technique involves removal of the prostate medial to both neurovascular bundles containing the pelvic parasympathetic nervierigentes. This technique can also be adapted to the performance of radical cystectomy.     

Location of extraprostatic extension and positive surgical margin in radical prostatectomy specimens

BACKGROUND: Extraprostatic extension and positive surgical margin increase a risk of treatment failure after radical prostatectomy in patients with localized prostate cancer. We analyzed the location of extraprostatic extension and positive surgical margin in radical prostatectomy specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 104 radical prostatectomy cases the location of the extraprostatic extension (EPE) and/or positive surgical margin (PSM) were studied using step-sectioned specimens. RESULTS: In 54 cases EPE and/or PSM were recognized. In 34 of 38 cases (89.5%) with EPE, the EPE was identified at lateral, posterolateral and/or posterior portions in base and/or middle of the prostate. Particularly, in 31 cases (81.6%) the EPE was found posterolaterally. Only in 5 of these 34 cases (14.7%) PSM resulted from the EPE. When 35 cases with PSM were evaluated, the PSM occurred apically in 22 (62.9%) and anteriorly in 11 (31.4%). Only in 4 cases (14.3%) PSM was caused by EPE of apical and/or anterior portions. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of EPE were observed at the posterolateral portion of the prostatic base and/or middle. However, PSM were frequently identified apically and/or anteriorly. These findings suggest that modifications of surgical technique of apical dissection might reduce the frequency of PSM.     

Nerve-sparing open radical retropubic prostatectomy

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the surgical technique for open radical prostatectomy has evolved and increasing attention is paid to preserving anatomic structures and the impact on outcome and quality of life. METHODS: Technical aspects of nerve-sparing open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) are described. Patient selection criteria and functional results are discussed, focusing on postoperative urinary continence. RESULTS: The video demonstrates the nerve-sparing open RRP and important steps are elucidated with schematic drawings. The value of nerve sparing, not only for preserving erectile function, but also for preserving urinary continence is discussed and results from our institution are presented. In our series, urinary incontinence was present in 1 of 71 patients (1%) with attempted bilateral nerve-sparing, 11 of 322 (3%) with attempted unilateral nerve-sparing, or 19 of 139 (14%) without attempted nerve-sparing surgery. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the only statistically significant factor influencing urinary continence after open RRP was attempted nerve sparing (odds ratio, 4.77; 95% confidence interval, 2.18-10.44; p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Nerve-sparing surgery has a significant impact on erectile function and urinary continence and should be performed in all patients provided radical tumour resection is not compromised. For successful nerve preservation we advocate a lateral approach to the prostate to improve visualisation and simplify separation of the neurovascular bundles from the dorsolateral prostatic capsule. Bunching, ligating, and incising Santorini's plexus over the prostate and not over the sphincter ensures a bloodless surgical field. Mucosa-to-mucosa adaptation of the reconstructed bladder neck and the urethra is another important factor to be observed.     

保留性神经的腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术

前列腺癌根治术已成为治疗早期局限性前列腺癌的的金标准,因其疗效确切,术后生存时间长而得到广泛认同.该手术治疗的目标是彻底切除肿瘤,尽快地恢复控尿功能和阴茎勃起功能.早在1866年Kucher首先提出经会阴前列腺癌根治术,但由于存在不能行淋巴结清扫和保留性神经等缺点,未能推广应用.     

Rehabilitation of erectile function following radical prostatectomy

The concept of muscle rehabilitation after nerve injury is not a novel idea and is practiced in many branches of medicine, including urology. Bladder rehabilitation after spinal cord injury is universally practiced. The erectile dysfunction （ED） experienced after radical prostatectomy （RP） is increasingly recognized as being primarily neurogenic followed by secondary penile smooth muscle （SM） changes. There is unfortunately no standard approach to penile rehabilitation after RP because controlled prospective human studies are not available. This article reviews the epidemiology, experimental pathophysiological models, rationale for penile rehabilitation, and currently published rehabilitation strategies.     

Nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy: techniques and clinical considerations

There are essentially two ways to accomplish nerve preservation during radical retropubic prostatectomy: the 'apical approach' described by Walsh and the so-called 'lateral approach', a simplified method where the dissection is initially conducted on the portion of the bundles that courses posterolateral to the prostate. Do the different techniques differ in the ability to preserve potency and in the positive surgical margins rate? No previous study has addressed this question. Above all, the preoperative and intraoperative indications to spare or not the nerves remain a matter of debate. The present review is an attempt to elucidate these questions in light of the current literature.     

Clinical effect of a positive surgical margin without extraprostatic extension after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of positive surgical margin (PSM) without extraprostatic extension after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 837 patients who underwent RARP for clinically localized prostate cancer without neoadjuvant endocrine therapy. The pT2+category lesions were defined according to World Health Organization classification. The actuarial probabilities of biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCR-FS) were determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were also used to identify independent predictors for BCR.ResultsOf the 837 patients, 102 (12.2%) experienced BCR during the follow-up period. The BCR-FS rate was significantly higher in patients with pT2+category tumors than in those with pT3a category tumors, and significantly lower in patients with pT2+category tumors than that in those with pT2 category tumors without PSM. The BCR-FS rate of patients with pT2+category tumors was significantly higher than that with pT3a category tumors with PSM but not significantly different from that with pT3a category tumors without PSM. In a multivariate analysis, the pathological T category considering pT2+category was one of independent predictive factors for BCR.ConclusionsThis study support the hypothesis that the pT2+category disease is associated with a significantly increased risk of BCR in patients with organ-confined prostate cancer after RARP. As PSM can be avoided in some cases, urologists should continually seek to improve their operative skills and to reduce the rate of PSM, especially in patients with organ-confined prostate cancer.     

Modified technique for neurovascular bundle preservation during radical prostatectomy: association between technique and recovery of erectile function

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively evaluate whether a modified surgical technique for neurovascular bundle (NVB) preservation during radical prostatectomy (RP) is associated with an improvement in erectile function (EF) recovery after RP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from patients treated before technique modification was used to create a predictive model for EF at 6 months after RP using age, date of surgery, and nerve sparing (none vs unilateral vs bilateral) as predictors for patients who received the modified technique (MT) to estimate the expected outcomes had they received the standard technique (ST), and compared these with actual outcomes. In the MT, the neurovascular bundle (NVB) is completely mobilized off the prostate from the apex to above the seminal vesicles including incision of Denonvilliers’ fascia before urethral division and mobilization of the prostate off the rectum.

RESULTS

Of 372 patients with evaluable data, 275 (74%) underwent the ST from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2004 and 97 (26%) underwent the MT from 1 January 2005 to 30 May 2006. Sixty‐five of 97 patients (67%) receiving the MT had EF recovery at 6 months, whereas the expected probability of 6‐month recovery of EF, had they received the ST, was 45%. The absolute improvement in EF recovery attributable to the MT was 22% (95% confidence interval 5–40%; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Technical modifications to NVB preservation during RP were associated with improved rates of EF recovery.     

Emerging concepts in erectile preservation following radical prostatectomy: a guide for clinicians

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a commonly performed procedure for the management of prostate cancer. While documented oncologic outcome for early stage disease is excellent, functional impairments such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction (ED) are common after the procedure. Recent evidence has implicated cavernous nerve damage and subsequent corporal oxygen deprivation, as well as corporal inflammation, in the pathogenesis of post-RP ED. Targeted therapies such as oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, mechanical vacuum erection devices, local alprostadil delivery and testosterone replacement (for hypogonal patients) have demonstrated some efficacy in the management of post-RP ED. This review aggregates much of the recent data in support of these therapies and critically reviews them. The article then presents tools to assess patients and partner sexual function to aid in identifying and monitoring post-RP ED. Finally, the article describes a protocol in use at Baylor College of Medicine as a guide toward the development of a protocol for erectile preservation (EP). The purpose of this work is to educate clinicians on emerging concepts in EP and provide an implementable protocol for use in practice.     

Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy: evaluation of results after 250 patients

To examine the efficacy of nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy in preserving sexual potency and urinary continence, and in providing complete tumor excision we analyzed the records of the first 250 consecutive patients with clinical stage A or B prostate cancer treated since this operation was adopted at our institution. Over-all, sexual potency was preserved in 71 of 112 patients (63%) who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing prostatectomy and 13 of 33 (39%) who underwent a unilateral nerve-sparing procedure with a minimum of 6 months of followup. Preservation of potency correlated with patient age (p equals 0.0035, chi-square) and was significantly (p less than 0.001, chi-square) higher in patients with pathologically organ-confined tumors (72%) than in those with pathologically extracapsular tumors (51%). Of 192 patients followed for at least 6 months 188 (98%) achieved urinary continence postoperatively. Over-all, apparent complete tumor excision as defined by organ-confined tumor with negative surgical margins and undetectable postoperative prostate specific antigen levels was achieved in 14 preoperatively potent patients (42%) who underwent a unilateral and 67 (59%) who underwent a bilateral nerve-sparing procedure. Completeness of tumor excision correlated with tumor stage. In approximately 45% of the patients incomplete tumor excision was owing to seminal vesicle and/or lymph node involvement or positive bladder neck margins that could not be attributed to the nerve-sparing modification. However, improper application of the nerve-sparing technique may have contributed in the others. We were unable to detect microscopic penetration of the capsule or distinguish between gross extracapsular tumor extension and periprostatic fibrosis at operation. We conclude that with proper application of nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy, potency can be preserved in the majority of patients without compromising the adequacy of tumor excision. The completeness of tumor excision appears to be determined primarily by the extent of the tumor. Therefore, patient selection is important. Patients with focal, well differentiated tumors are ideal candidates for a nerve-sparing procedure, while those with high volume, poorly differentiated tumors may be at a higher risk for positive surgical margins. The benefits of wide excision of the neurovascular bundles remain to be demonstrated formally.     

Nerve-sparing endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy: University of Leipzig technique

PURPOSE: To describe the various operative steps as well as the functional and oncologic results of nerve-sparing endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (nsEERP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty preoperatively potent patients have been treated with bilateral nsEERPE in our department. The average age of the patients was 60.3 years (range 41-74 years), and the mean prostate weight was 48.6 g (range 24-117 g). RESULTS: The mean operative time was 136 minutes (range 75-210 minutes). No conversions to open surgery were necessary. The mean catheterization time was 5.7 days (range 4-20 days). Lymphadenectomy was performed in 26 patients. The pathologic stages were pT2 in 78 and pT3 in 42 patients. Positive margins were detected in 7.7% (N = 6) and 19% (N = 8) of the patients with pT2 and pT3 disease, respectively. Erections sufficient for intercourse were reported in interviews with 58 patients (48.3%) during the 6-month follow-up period. Follow-up of at least 1 year is deemed necessary to draw more definite conclusions about erectile function. One week postoperatively, 32 patients (26.7%) required a maximum of 1 pad, 59 patients (49.2%) 2 or 3 pads, and 29 patients (24.2%) more than 3 pads per day because of incontinence, whereas 3 and 6 months after the procedure, 98 (82%) and 106 (88%) of the patients required a maximum of 1 pad, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that nsEERPE can be performed with equal efficacy and preliminary results similar to those of standard open radical prostatectomy as well as transperitoneal laparoscopic prostatectomy while completely avoiding intraperitoneal complications.     

Rehabilitative therapy for erectile function after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy

BackgroundTo date, the time course for recovery of erectile function and the effect of rehabilitative treatment after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP) is still under debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose sildenafil for rehabilitation of erectile function after nerve-sparing RP.MethodsIn a prospective, randomised study, 43 sexually active patients underwent a nerve-sparing retropubic RP. Erectometer measurement of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) was carried out 7–14 days after surgery. Some patients (23) with preserved nocturnal erections received sildenafil 25 mg/day at night to support recovery of erectile function. A control of 18 patients underwent follow up without phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was given 6, 12, 24, 36, 52 and 78 weeks after operation.ResultsA total of 41 out of 43 patients (95%) showed 1–5 erections during the first night after catheter removal. In the daily sildenafil group, the IIEF-5 score decreased from a preoperative mean score of 20.8 to mean scores of 3.6 at 6 weeks, 3.8 at 12 weeks, 5.9 at 24 weeks, 9.6 at 36 weeks, 14.1 at 52 weeks and 19.4 at 78 weeks after prostatectomy. In the control group, the preoperative IIEF-5 mean score of 21.2 decreased to 2.4 at 6 weeks, 3.8 at 12 weeks, 5.3 at 24 weeks, 6.4 at 36 weeks, 9.3 at 52 weeks and 13.4 at 78 weeks. Statistical evaluation showed a significant difference in IIEF-5 score and time to recovery of erectile function between the groups (p<0.001) with potency rates of 92% vs. 68%.ConclusionsIn this study of men, the measurement of NPTR after nerve-sparing RP showed erectile function even during the “first” night after catheter removal. Sildenafil was efficacious when used in a “daily low dose” treatment and led to a significant improvement in recovery of erectile function.     

Interobserver variability between expert urologic pathologists for extraprostatic extension and surgical margin status in radical prostatectomy specimens

Accurate Gleason score, pathologic stage, and surgical margin (SM) information is critical for the planning of post-radical prostatectomy management in patients with prostate cancer. Although interobserver variability for Gleason score among urologic pathologists has been well documented, such data for pathologic stage and SM assessment are limited. We report the first study to address interobserver variability in a group of expert pathologists concerning extraprostatic soft tissue (EPE) and SM interpretation for radical prostatectomy specimens. A panel of 3 urologic pathologists selected 6 groups of 10 slides designated as being positive, negative, or equivocal for either EPE or SM based on unanimous agreement. Twelve expert urologic pathologists, who were blinded to the panel diagnoses, reviewed 40x whole-slide scans and provided diagnoses for EPE and SM on each slide. On the basis of panel diagnoses, as the gold standard, specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy values were high for both EPE (87.5%, 95.0%, and 91.2%) and SM (97.5%, 83.3%, and 90.4%). Overall kappa values for all 60 slides were 0.74 for SM and 0.63 for EPE. The kappa values were higher for slides with definitive gold standard EPE (kappa=0.81) and SM (kappa=0.73) diagnoses when compared with the EPE (kappa=0.29) and SM (kappa=0.62) equivocal slides. This difference was markedly pronounced for EPE. Urologic pathologists show good to excellent agreement when evaluating EPE and SM. Interobserver variability for EPE and SM interpretation was principally related to the lack of a clearly definable prostatic capsule and crush/thermal artifact along the edge of the gland, respectively.