Contemporary evaluation of operative parameters and complications related to open radical retropubic prostatectomy

Objectives. To determine the impact of recent advances in surgical technique, management, and early detection on outcome after open radical retropubic prostatectomy. Methods. Between October 2000 and August 2002, 500 men with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy by a single surgeon (H.L.). One of the unique aspects of this prospective outcomes analysis was that both data acquisition and entry were conducted totally independent of the primary surgeon. Results. The mean operative and prostatectomy time was 142.9 and 65.2 minutes, respectively. A single ureteral injury was the only intraoperative complication. The overall incidence of pulmonary embolus and/or deep vein thrombosis was 0.4%. The overall risk of allogeneic transfusion was 4.6%. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.11 +/- 0.04 days. Of the catheters, 83.6% were removed by postoperative day 8. The positive surgical margin rate was 8%. Conclusions. In the hands of experienced surgeons, outcomes after open radical prostatectomy are excellent. Laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy must be compared with concurrent experiences with open radical prostatectomy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc.