Related Experiment Videos
Radical prostatectomy: transrectal sonographic evaluation to assess for local recurrence
C G Salomon1, M E Flisak, M C Olson
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Marywood, IL 60153.
Radiology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) can identify recurrent prostate cancer. Key sonographic features include perianastomotic masses and loss of the retroanastomotic fat plane integrity, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Prostate cancer recurrence after prostatectomy can be challenging to detect.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of recurrent prostate cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify sonographic features indicative of locally recurrent or residual prostate cancer.
- To correlate ultrasound findings with biopsy results in patients with suspected recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) studies were conducted in 21 patients post-prostatectomy.
- Prospective TRUS reports were reviewed, followed by a blinded retrospective review.
- Findings were compared with subsequent biopsy results to confirm tumor presence.
Main Results:
- A perianastomotic mass was prospectively identified in 73% of patients with positive biopsies versus 17% with negative biopsies.
- Loss of the retroanastomotic fat plane integrity was observed in 91% of patients with positive biopsies versus 17% with negative biopsies.
- These sonographic findings showed a strong correlation with biopsy-confirmed recurrent or residual tumor.
Conclusions:
- Sonographic visualization of a prostate bed mass or disrupted retroanastomotic fat plane strongly suggests recurrent or residual prostate cancer.
- Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a valuable tool for evaluating elevated prostate-specific antigen levels postoperatively.
- Further investigation into TRUS for assessing the source of postoperative PSA elevation is warranted.