Minimally invasive surgical approaches and management of prostate cancer

For clinically localized prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy remains the "gold standard" treatment. New forms of minimally invasive therapies are sought out by patients, however, because of the potential morbidity associated with open surgery. With quality-of-life aspects influencing patient decision making, minimally invasive therapeutic modalities have generated great interest among patients. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, brachytherapy, cryotherapy, and high-intensity focused ultrasound are all considered to be minimally invasive treatment options for the management of clinically localized prostate cancer.