prostate cancer | Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of prostateEarly diagnosis and surgical management of prostate cancer

Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of prostateEarly diagnosis and surgical management of prostate cancer

Summary
Prostate cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and Europe. Population ageing, as well as the practice of diagnostic tests such as prostate specific antigen (PSA), have induced an increase in the number of localized prostate cancer diagnoses. The screening of the disease at the stage where it is restricted to the organ is the subject of great scientific and public interest, but remains controversial. Radical Prostatectomy is one of the most difficult urological interventions. Technical improvements related to better knowledge of pelvic anatomy have reduced the rate of complications to acceptable levels and achieved excellent results in institutions dealing with large numbers of patients. The steady progress of the techniques and the recent introduction of the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy will probably further improve the functional outcomes. However, the effectiveness of surgery on the survival and quality of life of patients suffering from early prostate cancer remains to be demonstrated. The results of large randomized controlled trials are eagerly awaited.

Abstract
Prostate cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United states and Europe. The natural ageing of the population as well as the continued and widespread use of diagnostic tests such as prostate specific antigen (PSA), has led to an increase in the numbers of men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Screening to identify organ-confined disease has provoked much public and scientific attention, but remains controversial. Radical Prostatectomy is one of the most challenging urological procedures performed. Improvements in technique due to better understanding of pelvic anatomy have reduced complications, with acceptable standards and excellent results in high-volume institutions. Continuing refinement in technique and the recent introduction of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy are likely to improve functional outcome further. However the effectiveness of surgery in improving survival and quality of life, in men with early prostate cancer remains to be determined. The results from large randomised controlled trials are eagerly awaited.