Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy for Cancer: A 20-Year Experience

Abstract
A review of 159 patients treated by radical retropubic prostatovesiculectomy from 1951-1970 reinforced the belief that this is a satisfactory method of treatment for prostatic cancer confined to the prostate. A 10 yr survival of 55% and a 15 yr survival of 45% compare well to the results reported for perineal prostatectomy. The postoperative mortality rate was 2.5% and total incontinence was 12.5% after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Completely normal voiding occurred in 108 of the 159 patients. Stress incontinence but no need for an incontinence device occurred in 31 patients. Improved methods for preoperative staging of the disease give promise for even higher cure rates in the future.