Radical perineal prostatectomy: a learning curve?
OBJECTIVE
To determine a learning curve for radical perineal prostatectomy after formal training in radical retropubic prostatectomy.


METHODS
Using the William Beaumont Hospital Prostatectomy database, we analyzed peri-operative data from two surgeons performing radical perineal prostatectomies from their initial 96 cases to determine a learning curve.


RESULTS
Over time, data between the first and last quarters showed consistent, excellent results in terms of skin time (143 SD ± 22 and 136 SD ± 24 min), blood loss (310 SD ± 120 and 335 ± 216 cc), and length of stay (1.3 SD ± 0.6 and 1.2 SD ± 0.5 days), without significant change. However, only two positive margins were obtained in the 4th quartile representing a significant change and possibly representing a learning curve.


CONCLUSIONS
These data show that excellent, reproducible results can be obtained using basic surgical principles, without incorporating expensive technology and resources.
Eliya
Fadi
F
Department of Urology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA. fadieliya@hotmail.com
Kernen
Ken
K
Gonzalez
Jose
J
Peters
Ken
K
Ibrahim
Ibrahim
I
Petzel
Kaylyn
K
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D059032:Learning Curve; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010502:Perineum / Q000601:surgery*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies