Localized prostate cancer: overview of surgical management.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of surgical management for localized prostate cancer as an introduction to treatment modalities for the First International Conference on Neoadjuvant Hormonal Therapy for Prostate Cancer.


METHODS
I performed a literature review on survival rates for radical prostatectomy based on published data and meta-analysis.


RESULTS
Based on a meta-analysis of all published literature up to 1993, survival rates were superior for radical prostatectomy compared to radiation therapy at both 10 and 15 years. Nerve-sparing modifications in the technique of radical prostatectomy have resulted in potency rates of 60% to 70%.


CONCLUSIONS
Modifications in surgical technique have significantly decreased fear of urinary incontinence and markedly reduced the problem of postoperative impotence. Survival rates for radical prostatectomy for clinically localized disease are superior to other modalities of treatment.
Richie
J P
JP
Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*