[Ultrasonographic (intra- and extraluminal) pattern of cervico-urethral anastomosis after radical prostatectomy]

Thirteen patients, mean age 61 years (range 54 to 71), diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma underwent radical prostatectomy. To achieve a diagnosis they were all performed blood PSA determination, digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound and a prostate ultrasound-guided biopsy by automatic gun puncture. Serum PSA quantification, digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound were repeated in the immediate post-operative, and three and six months after surgery. Through the information obtained with endocavitary ultrasound, the lumen of the cervicourethral anastomosis and the perianastomotic tissue was assessed. Transrectal ultrasound plays a relevant role in the follow-up of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. When a patient with prostate radical surgery shows an elevation of serum PSA and/or abnormal digital rectal examination, an ultrasound-guided biopsy (at the node or perianastomotic area) is indicated.