[Prevalence of incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma after suprapubic adenomectomy with or without previous prostatic...

To establish the prevalence of incidental prostate cancer after transrectal ultrasound guided prostatic biopsy and subsequent suprapubic prostatic adenomectomy and to compare it with a similar group of patients who did not underwent biopsy before surgery. To evaluate treatment, outcomes, and disease progression in patients with incidental prostate cancer.

Retrospective study of 549 suprapubic adenomectomy performed between 1996-2001 (6 yr.), comparing the group of patients with biopsies before surgery vs. the group of patients without biopsies.

291 (53%) patients did not undergo biopsy before adenomectomy. 258 (47%) underwent biopsies. 25 incidental prostate cancers were detected, 19 (76%) in the group of no biopsy and 6 (24%) in the biopsy group. 88% pT1a and 12%pT1b. Mean Gleason score 4.5 (3-7). 84% of the patients did not receive treatment (21) ("wait and see"); 8% (2) androgen blockade; 8% (2) finasteride (2). Three patients (12%) in the group of no biopsy had disease progression. Mean follow-up was 48.1 months (22-96). No case of cancer-specific mortality was detected.

Global prevalence of incidental prostate cancer in our series of patients undergoing suprapubic prostatic adenomectomy was 4.55%. Prevalence was higher in the group of patients without previous biopsy (3.46%) than in the biopsy group (1.09%). Tumor progression was 12% and cancer specific survival 100% after a mean follow-up of 48.1 months (22-92). Previous prostatic biopsy in patients with suspicions digital rectal examination or elevated PSA diminishes the prevalence of incidental prostate cancer. Watchful waiting may be a valid option in some cases.