Contemporary results of anatomic radical prostatectomy

With current clinical practice, most newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer are potentially life-threatening yet still curable. The anatomical (nerve-sparing) radical prostatectomy has dramatically improved the results of surgical treatment. Other new management options, including conformal (three-dimensional) external beam radiation therapy, radioactive seed implantation (brachytherapy), cryoablation and hormonal therapy, may be useful in some patients, but they are all probably less effective than radical prostatectomy. Suitability for radical prostatectomy generally requires a clinically localized, potentially life-threatening tumor [as defined by Gleason grade, tumor stage, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level], a life expectancy of 10 years, and no serious co-morbid medical conditions.