ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of radical prostatectomy for patients with organ-confined prostate cancer. METHODS: From 1990 to 1994, a total of 50 patients with prostate cancer underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy. RESULTS: Eleven patients were in state A2, 34 in stage B and 5 in stage C according to clinical stage. Extended disease was observed pathologically in 45%, and 59% of patients in clinical stages A2 and B, respectively. Preoperative serum PSA levels were closely correlated with pathological extension of the disease. The disease-free rates for organ-confined disease, extended disease without lymph node metastasis and stage D1 disease were 75% (3 years), 82% (2 years) and 80% (3 years), respectively. Four patients had rectal injuries, and three of these underwent temporary colostomy diversion. Two patients had bladder neck contracture and received internal urethrotomy. Urinary incontinence improved in 60% of patients during the first 6 post-operative and in 90% of patients within 12 post-operative months. Urinary incontinence tended to improve earlier in patients with nerve-sparing than those without it. The erectile capacity in nerve sparing patients recovered good. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that radical prostatectomy is a safe and temporarily satisfactory treatment for the patient with organ-confined prostate cancer.