Radical Prostatectomy by the Retropubic, Perineal and Laparoscopic Approach: 12 Years of Experience in One Center

Abstract Objectives: We retrospectively evaluated the oncological outcome of radical prostatectomy performed by the retropubic, perineal and laparoscopic approaches. Methods: From 1988 to 2000, 401 patients underwent radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer by the retropubic, perineal or laparoscopic approach. Age, clinical stage, preoperative PSA and Gleason score of positive biopsies were noted. Operating time, complication rate, transfusion rate, length of hospital stay, catheterization time and pathological results were reviewed. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate the likelihood of biochemical recurrence (PSA ≥0.2ng/ml). Results: There were no significant differences between the three groups regarding preoperative characteristics, except for PSA (21.4ng/ml, 13.2ng/ml, and 11.6ng/ml for the retropubic, perineal, and laparoscopic approach, p p p Conclusion: Despite changes in patient selection criteria over time, and the relatively short follow-up, this study showed no significant difference in oncologic outcome between the retropubic, perineal and laparoscopic approaches to radical prostatectomy.