Radical prostatectomies--Wisconsin, 1982-1992

Prostate cancer incidence and death rates have increased during the past decade in the United States (1). In addition, a recent study of the Medicare population indicated that the rate of radical prostatectomies (the removal of the prostate gland, ejaculatory ducts, and seminal vesicles) increased nearly sixfold from 1984 through 1990 (2). To examine trends in prostate cancer incidence and surgical treatment in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Division of Health assessed data from 1982 through 1992. This report summarizes the results of this study.