Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: single centre experience after 5 years.
OBJECTIVE
To summarise our experience of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a single centre in Hong Kong over 5 years.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Urology Division, Department of Surgery, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong.


METHODS
A total of 87 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from March 2002 to May 2007.


METHODS
Peri-operative data and follow-up information.


RESULTS
The operative procedure used entailed Montsouris technique and its modifications, including the latest method involving the extraperitoneal descending technique. In all, 87 patients underwent the operation; in two, the procedure was converted to open surgery. Peri-operative parameters which showed improvement included: operating time, blood loss, resort to blood transfusions, and the complication rate. There was no operation-related mortality. In organ-confined disease, a clear surgical margin was achieved in 93% of the patients, but in those whose disease was not organ-confined, the positive margin rate was 87%. Among patients with organ-confined disease, 13% had evidence of biochemical recurrence. Hormonal therapy was started in five patients, none of whom died during the follow-up period (mean, 24 months). Continence recovered in 69% of the patients by 6 months and in 92% by 12 months post-surgery. Assessment of erectile function before and after the surgery was problematic and estimated to be 20% among patients having the nerve-sparing procedure performed.


CONCLUSIONS
Although Hong Kong has a relatively low incidence for prostate cancer, it was possible to develop laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with acceptable early results. Further follow-up is warranted before formulating definitive conclusions about this procedure.
Chan
Steven W H
SW
Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong. stevewh@gmail.com
Lam
K M
KM
Kwok
S C
SC
Yu
C
C
Au
W H
WH
Yung
Y P
YP
Mah
Ida  S F
I
Chu
Peggy  S K
P
Man
C W
CW
D000368:Aged; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome