Prevalence of incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma after suprapubic adenomectomy with or without previous prostatic biopsy

OBJECTIVES: To establish the prevalence of incidental prostate cancer after transrectal ultrasound guided prostatic biopsy and subsequent suprapubic prostatic adenomectomy and to compare it with a similar group of patients who did not underwent biopsy before surgery. To evaluate treatment, outcomes, and disease progression in patients with incidental prostate cancer. METHODS: Retrospective study of 549 suprapubic adenomectomy performed between 1996-2001 (6 yr.), comparing the group of patients with biopsies before surgery vs. the group of patients without biopsies. RESULTS: 291 (53%) patients did not undergo biopsy before adenomectomy. 258 (47%) underwent biopsies. 25 incidental prostate cancers were detected, 19 (76%) in the group of no biopsy and 6 (24%) in the biopsy group. 88% pT1a and 12%pT1b. Mean Gleason score 4.5 (3-7). 84% of the patients did not receive treatment (21) ("wait and see"); 8% (2) androgen blockade; 8% (2) finasteride (2). Three patients (12%) in the group of no biopsy had disease progression. Mean follow-up was 48.1 months (22-96). No case of cancer-specific mortality was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Global prevalence of incidental prostate cancer in our series of patients undergoing suprapubic prostatic adenomectomy was 4.55%. Prevalence was higher in the group of patients without previous biopsy (3.46%) than in the biopsy group (1.09%). Tumor progression was 12% and cancer specific survival 100% after a mean follow-up of 48.1 months (22-92). Previous prostatic biopsy in patients with suspicions digital rectal examination or elevated PSA diminishes the prevalence of incidental prostate cancer. Watchful waiting may be a valid option in some cases.