Ischemic damage to the prostate during cardiac surgery: A clinical model

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Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine if altered tissue perfusion during cardiac surgery results in ischemic tissue damage to the prostate, as suggested by a rise in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). METHODS Twenty‐nine male patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting were studied. Ten male patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery served as controls. PSA levels were determined preoperatively and six hourly intervals postoperatively for 48 hr. All patients underwent urethral catheterization at induction of anesthesia. RESULTS All patients (100%) who had undergone cardiac bypass surgery showed rises in serum PSA during 48 hr of postoperative follow‐up. At the 6‐hr postoperative interval, the mean PSA was significantly different from the mean baseline value (paired two tailed Student's t test P0.2) or during the next 48 hr. One patient in the cardiac group showed a very marked elevation in serum PSA of greater than 50 times normal preoperative levels. CONCLUSIONS Statistically significant rises in PSA levels are seen following coronary bypass surgery. This rise may be caused by ischemic nontrauma related damage to the prostate and suggests a possible pathophysiological mechanism for the clinically episodic symptoms of prostatism seen in elderly men. Prostate 32:85–88, 1997.