Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Washington University initial experience and prospective evaluation of quality of life
Abstract
The laparoscopic approach to radical prostatectomy offers an alternative to the open surgical procedure with less morbidity. We prospectively collected data including a validated quality-of-life questionnaires on our first 38 laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (LRPs). The first 10 patients (group 1), second 10 patients (group II), and the most recent 18 patients (group III) were examined separately to study the learning curve for this procedure. In addition, we determined the pattern of recovery of urinary continence, potency, and quality of life. Between July 1999 and July 2002, 38 consecutive transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomies were performed for clinically localized prostate carcinoma. Patients completed quality-of-life questionnaires (Rand 36 Health Survey) before surgery as well as at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and every 6 months thereafter. The patients were also interviewed by an individual not directly involved in patient care. One patient (the second in our experience) was converted to the open approach because of failure to progress. The average operating time for the whole series was 423 +/- 137.6 minutes (range 215-825 minutes), the last 10 procedures taking 305 +/- 63 minutes (range 215-420 minutes)....Continue Reading
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