[Radical prostatectomies for localized prostate cancer performed in center satellite collaboration--is it possible?]

In an effort to comply with the increasing demand for surgery for localized prostate cancer a center satellite collaboration was established between a university department and two local urological departments. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate open radical prostatectomies performed by this collaboration.

The centre satellite collaboration included preoperative evaluation and treatment at local hospitals and evaluation of operative results by audit every 6 months.

104 patients were operated during the study period. 4 patients were excluded due to findings of carcinoma in lymph nodes examined by frozen section. This study describes the first 100 radical prostatectomies. Median operating time was 85 minutes (60-175) and median hospitalization was 6 days (5-23). 18 patients received blood transfusions in relation to surgery. Perioperative mortality was 0. Histological examination of prostatectomy specimens revealed that 70 patients had a localised prostate cancer (organ confined tumour) and were considered cured for their cancer. Few patients had full urinary control (no pads) at 6 weeks control, and at 12 months control 49 of 50 controlled patients were considered continent. Potency was a major problem. 22% of the 50 patients evaluated after 12 months had PSA recurrence and almost all were given adjuvant hormonal treatment.

Radical prostatectomy performed in collaboration between a university department and local urological departments as described is beneficial to both patients and the departments involved. Postoperative results matching larger departments can be achieved.