Nationwide population-based study on 30-day mortality after radical prostatectomy in Sweden.
OBJECTIVE
The incidence of prostate cancer in Sweden is increasing rapidly, as is treatment with curative intent. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is currently commonly performed, either within or outside large high-volume centres. The aim of this study was to assess the 30-day mortality rate after RP in Sweden.


METHODS
In this nationwide population-based study, all men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (< or =70 years, clinical stadium T1-2, prostate-specific antigen < 20 ng/ml) who underwent RP in Sweden between 1997 and 2002 were identified through the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR). Mortality within 30 days of RP was analysed through linkage between the follow-up study of the NPCR and the Regional Population Registers. The cause of death in the death certificates were compared with data from the hospitals concerned. To validate the results, a record linkage between the Inpatient Register and the National Population Register was also performed.


RESULTS
The number of RPs performed increased over time. Among 3700 RPs performed, four deaths occurred during the first 30 days, yielding a 0.11% 30-day mortality rate. These deaths occurred at three different types of hospital and were all probably related to the RP.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides further evidence that RP is a procedure with very low perioperative mortality even when performed outside high-volume centres.
Carlsson
Sigrid
S
Department of Urology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. sigrid.carlsson@gmail.com
Adolfsson
Jan
J
Bratt
Ola
O
Johansson
Jan-Erik
JE
Ahlstrand
Christer
C
Holmberg
Erik
E
Stattin
Pär
P
Hugosson
Jonas
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002423:Cause of Death / Q000639:trends; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000401:mortality*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate / Q000639:trends; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors