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Open Radical Prostatectomy

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Management of Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) remains the “gold standard” treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) while other surgical treatment options such as laparoscopic and robotic radical prostatectomy (RP) have become available at many centres worldwide. The three goals of treatment of localized PCa, in order of importance, are cancer control, preservation of urinary control and preservation of sexual function. Surgical expertise has reduced the complication rates of RP, decreased positive surgical margins and improved cancer control and functional results.

In this chapter, we review the indications for and our institutional experience with RRP. We provide a description of the surgical technique and overview of the pre- and postoperative measures, surgery-related complications and surgical modifications to the standard operation to improve early return of urinary continence and erectile function. In addition, we review the oncological and functional results of RRP based on the available literature.

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Abbreviations

BPFS:

Biochemical progression-free survival

CSS:

Cancer-specific survival

DVC:

Dorsal venous complex

HT:

Hormone therapy

NVB:

Neurovascular bundle

PCa:

Prostate cancer

PCSM:

Prostate cancer-specific mortality

PSA:

Prostate-specific antigen

RP:

Radical prostatectomy

RRP:

Retropubic radical prostatectomy

RT:

Radiation therapy

TRUS:

Transrectal ultrasound

TURP:

Transurethral resection of the prostate

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van Poppel, H., Joniau, S. (2012). Open Radical Prostatectomy. In: Bolla, M., van Poppel, H. (eds) Management of Prostate Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27597-5_8

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