Chan Steven W H, Lam K M, Kwok S C, Yu C, Au W H, Yung Y P, Mah Ida S F, Chu Peggy S K, Man C W
Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Med J. 2008 Jun;14(3):192-7.
To summarise our experience of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a single centre in Hong Kong over 5 years.
Retrospective study.
Urology Division, Department of Surgery, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong.
A total of 87 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from March 2002 to May 2007.
Peri-operative data and follow-up information.
The operative procedure used entailed Montsouris technique and its modifications, including the latest method involving the extraperitoneal descending technique. In all, 87 patients underwent the operation; in two, the procedure was converted to open surgery. Peri-operative parameters which showed improvement included: operating time, blood loss, resort to blood transfusions, and the complication rate. There was no operation-related mortality. In organ-confined disease, a clear surgical margin was achieved in 93% of the patients, but in those whose disease was not organ-confined, the positive margin rate was 87%. Among patients with organ-confined disease, 13% had evidence of biochemical recurrence. Hormonal therapy was started in five patients, none of whom died during the follow-up period (mean, 24 months). Continence recovered in 69% of the patients by 6 months and in 92% by 12 months post-surgery. Assessment of erectile function before and after the surgery was problematic and estimated to be 20% among patients having the nerve-sparing procedure performed.
Although Hong Kong has a relatively low incidence for prostate cancer, it was possible to develop laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with acceptable early results. Further follow-up is warranted before formulating definitive conclusions about this procedure.
