[Urethral stricture rate after prostate cancer radiotherapy : Five-year data of a certified prostate cancer center]. / Harnröhrenstrikturrate nach Bestrahlung eines Prostatakarzinoms : 5-Jahres-Daten eines zertifizierten Prostatakarzinomzentrums.

BACKGROUND: A urethral stricture is a scar of the urethral epithelium which can cause obstructive voiding dysfunction with consequential damage of the upper urinary tract. Almost 45% of all strictures are iatrogenic; they develop in 2-9% of patients after radical prostatectomy, but can also occur after prostate cancer radiotherapy. This study provides 5­year data of a certified prostate cancer center (PKZ) in terms of urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 01/2008 and 12/2012 a total of 519 men were irradiated for prostate cancer (LDR and HDR brachytherapy as well as external beam radiation). The entire cohort was followed-up prospectively according to a standardized protocol (by type of irradiation). Short segment urethral strictures were treated by urethrotomy, recurrent and long segment stenosis with buccal mucosa urethroplasty. RESULTS: A total of 18 of 519 (3.4%) patients developed a urethral stricture post-therapeutically, which recurred in 66% of cases after the first operative treatment. The largest risk for developing a urethral stricture is attributed to the HDR brachytherapy (8.9%). CONCLUSION: Urethral strictures after prostate cancer radiotherapy should be diagnosed and treated in time for long-term preservation of renal function. The rate of radiogenic urethral strictures (3.4%) is equivalent to those after radical prostatectomy. Due to a high rate of recurrences, urethrotomy has a limited importance after irradiation.

[Radical prostatectomy in a certified prostate cancer center: medical treatment and outcome]. / Radikale Prostatektomie in einem zertifizierten Prostatakarzinom-Zentrum : Medizinische Behandlungs- und Ergebnisqualität.

INTRODUCTION: Open radical prostatectomy (RPE) is a standardized surgical technique with good oncologic/functional results. Nevertheless, the postoperative quality of life can be affected significantly by urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Consequently, data of postoperative health-related quality of life come increasingly into public interest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper aims to evaluate the quality of care after radical RPE at a certified prostate cancer center. The oncological outcome, rate of complications, reintervention and transfusions as well as the rate of continence and potency of a total collective of nearly 400 patients was obtained in a standardized manner between January 2008 and June 2012 using the clinic's internal tumor documentation system and commonly used, validated questionnaires. Due to consistent methodology, partial results can finally be compared with data prior to establishment of the prostate cancer center. RESULTS: This study is the first German report demonstrating an improvement of treatment results in a certified prostate cancer center. The rate of complications, reintervention, transfusions, and R1 status were significantly lower than in the precenter era. The evaluation of potency is sobering compared to current published literature, whereas satisfactory results were obtained for continency. DISCUSSION: Evaluation of the data contributes to the quality of treatment and outcome of certified prostate cancer centers and allows reliable decision-making and honest patient education in the future.