Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: early safety and efficacy.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the initial results of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at this institution.


METHODS
Between January 2000 and September 2003, 30 patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Peri- and postoperative data were accumulated prospectively and maintained in a database. All patients have a minimum of 6 month follow up.


RESULTS
There were no conversions to open surgery, and there were no re-operations. Mean operating time was 328 (195-490) min. There was one intraoperative rectal injury which was repaired laparoscopically. Three patients (10%) required blood transfusion. Postoperatively, there were two cases of respiratory depression, one case of haemoptysis and one upper gastrointestinal bleed. Two anastomotic leaks were successfully treated conservatively, one of which was the only readmission to hospital. There was one case of clot retention requiring manual irrigation of the bladder. Mean hospital stay was 2.75 (1-10) days, with six of the last 10 patients being discharged on the first postoperative day. Continence rates at 6 months are 83%. Positive surgical margins occurred in seven patients (23%). At 12 months of follow up, one patient (4.5%) has had biochemical recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Our initial results are comparable to, or better than, the initial series in high volume centres. The procedure is feasible in appropriately selected cases in the Australasian environment.
Wilson
Liam C
LC
Department of Urology, Tauranga Hospital, Tauranga, New Zealand.
Kennett
Katie M
KM
Gilling
Peter J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009520:New Zealand; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen