title: Radical perineal prostatectomy: cost efficient, outcome effective, minimally invasive prostate cancer management.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Localized prostate cancer is a common disease for which minimally invasive treatment methods are being explored. Perineal prostatectomy, as a historical open procedure, is modified to incorporate contemporary surgical ideas. There is relatively little in the literature regarding modern adaptations of perineal prostatectomy. This method of anatomic radical perineal prostatectomy has been developed to accomplish a minimally invasive method of achieving goals of disease control and preservation of genito-urinary functions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective outcome data is accumulated on 508 consecutive radical perineal prostatectomies by a single surgeon. Pathologic stage and PSA detectability are measures of cancer control. Pad use and ability to complete intercourse measure urinary and sexual function. General complications and other outcome measures are evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Freedom from PSA detectability by pathologic stage is 96.3%, 79.4%, and 69.4% for organ confined, specimen confined and margin positive in the absence of seminal vesical invasion with an average 4 years follow up (3-114 months). Margins are positive in 18% of cases. The average cancer size is 9.4g and 36% of cases have extracapsular invasion. By the first, third, sixth months and one year, 38%, 65%, 88% and 96% are free of pad use and report being dry. While over 80% of nerve-spared patients enjoy the return of spontaneous erectile function, the men with bilateral nerve preservation note earlier and more complete return of function. There are no cardiopulmonary complications or deaths. Transfusions occurred in 1%, none in the past 400 cases. Average total hospital charges are USD$4889.00 in 1999 and 2000. Anterior urethral strictures, anastomotic strictures and fecal urgency/stress flatus occur 2%, 2% and 2-4%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This method of prostatectomy is able to achieve complete cancer resection while preserving urinary and sexual function as well as laparoscopic or retropubic prostatectomy. The simplicity and minimally invasive nature of this procedure contribute to a short recovery and low overall cost of therapy. The anatomic radical perineal prostatectomy is a cost-efficient, outcome effective minimally invasive method of treating men with localized prostate cancer.
authors.affiliation: Northern Institute of Urology, 1020 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA. mikeharris@chartermi.net
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010502:Perineum / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology