[Early complications following open radical prostatectomy]

Radical prostatectomy has been offered as curative treatment for localized prostate cancer at Rigshospitalet since August 1995. We here report on postoperative complications in 719 patients operated during the 12-year-period from August 1995 to August 2007 with special emphasis on developments over time.

A retrospective review.

Median age at surgery was 63 years with a significant increase from 61 to 64 during the 12-year-period. We found no change in clinical preoperative T-category, whereas the median pre-treatment PSA decreased significantly. This reflects increased surgical experience and an optimized postoperative course. Significant reductions in operating time, need for blood transfusions, and length of hospitalisation were recorded. One or more complications were registered in 164 patients (22.8%); severe complications occurred in eight patients (1,1%). One patient died within 30 days after surgery.

Our results demonstrate that radical prostatectomy can be performed with a minimal mortality and an acceptable morbidity.