Background and objective: The standard treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer is surgery, radical prostatectomy. With the gaining acceptance of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) has been determined to be an effective procedure in an experienced surgeon's hands. This study reported initial experience of LRP in Srinagarind hospital.
Methods: Medical records of 20 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent LRP by a single urologist in Srinagarind hospital between October 2016 to February 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics, operative and peri-operative details, post-operative complications, and oncological outcomes were assessed.
Results: The median age was 67.5 years (57-76). The mean pre-operative prostate specific antigen level was 14.1 ng/mL (6-39). Seven patients were treated with GnRH agonist before the operation. The median operative time and blood loss were 180 min (120-330) and 400 ml (100-2000), respectively. Only one operation had to be converted to open surgery as a result of hemodynamic instability. The median hospital stay was 5 days and no one had to be readmitted. Fourteen patients (70%) were margin negative in the pathological specimen.
Conclusion: From this preliminary study, LRP is safe and feasible, with acceptable oncological outcomes for early prostate cancer in Srinagarind hospital.
