A short-term cost-effectiveness study comparing robot-assisted laparoscopic and open retropubic radical prostatectomy.

Objective: To evaluate cost effectiveness and cost utility comparing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) versus retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).

Methods: In a retrospective cohort study a total of 231 men between the age of 50 and 69 years and with clinically localised prostate cancer underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) at the Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2007, were included. The RALP and RRP patients were matched 1:2 on the basis of age and the D'Amico Risk Classification of Prostate Cancer; 77 RALP and 154 RRP.

[Use of prostate-specific antigen testing].

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most frequent type of cancer among Danish men and its incidence is rising. PC is often asymptomatic, which makes it very difficult to diagnose clinically. The general practitioner can use prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing as a diagnostic tool in PC.

Open retropubic prostatectomy versus robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: a comparison of length of sick leave.

Objective: It remains uncertain whether the increased direct costs of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) are outweighed by cost savings due to shorter postoperative hospital care and shorter sick leave. This study compared the length of sick leave after RALP with that after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).

Material And Methods: In a cohort study, information on length of sick leave was retrieved for 274 working men undergoing radical prostatectomy (127 RALP and 147 RRP).

[Development of an Internet search strategy to identify new medical technologies in prostate cancer].

Introduction: Technological change is rapid in medicine. The Internet is becoming more and more important as a source of keeping abreast of technological change, but tools to aid clinicians in finding relevant information on the Internet are lacking. The objective of this project was to develop an Internet search strategy to identify new technologies for the treatment of localised prostate cancer.

[Rising Prostate Specific Antigen following treatment with curative intention].

Rising Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is the primary and most sensitive sign of recurrent disease following treatment with curative intention of local prostate cancer. Depending on the treatment modality, a rising PSA should be interpreted differently. After radical prostatectomy PSA values exceeding 0.

[Diagnosis, evaluation and follow-up of patients with prostatic cancer].

The current diagnostic modalities for diagnosing and evaluating prostate cancer are described. DRE, PSA and TRUS are the three major cornerstones of the diagnostic approach and further evaluation includes bone scans. Lymphnode status can be evaluated only by lymphadenectomy, but is only of interest when curative treatment is considered.