In a nutshell
The authors compared scar satisfaction in prostate cancer patients who underwent different surgical procedures.
Some background
Surgical removal of prostate gland is a common treatment in prostate cancer. There can be different types of surgical techniques. Laparascopic surgery (standard surgery) involves several small cuts made across the stomach. Mini-laparascopic surgery (mini-prostate surgery) is similar to standard surgery but requires a 2-3 inch cut on the stomach. Open radical prostate surgery (open surgery) involves an 8 to 10 inch cut bellow the belly button through which surgery is performed.
Further studies are needed to determine scar satisfaction in patients following prostate surgery.
Methods & findings
The authors aimed to determine patient scar satisfaction following different types of prostate surgeries.
32 patients were analyzed in this study with a follow-up of 6 months. 11 patients underwent open surgery. 10 patients underwent standard surgery. 11 patients underwent mini-prostate surgery.
Patients who received either standard or mini-prostate surgery reported a lower visual analog pain score (VAPS). This was compared to the patients who underwent open surgery. VAPS is a scoring system for pain where 0 is no pain and 10 is unbearable pain.
Based on a scar assessment questionnaire, patients who underwent standard or mini- prostate surgery were considered better compared to open surgery. At 6 months, mini-prostate surgery had a better scar outcome than standard or open surgery.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that mini-laparascopic surgery had better cosmetic outcomes and less scarring compared to other surgical methods.
The fine print
Due to the small patient group and lack of randomization these results cannot be widely applied.
What’s next?
If you are considering prostate surgery and have concerns about scarring, please consult your doctor for information of the least invasive procedure.
Published By :
World Journal of Urology
Date :
Oct 26, 2014
