Abstract
(Background) Extraprostatic extension and positive surgical margin increase a risk of treatment failure after radical prostatectomy in patients with localized prostate cancer. We analized the location of extraprostatic extension and positive surgical margin in radical prostatectomy specimens.
(Materials and methods) In 104 radical prostatectomy cases the location of the extraprostatic extension (EPE) and/or positive surgical margin (PSM) were studied using step-sectioned specimens.
(Results) In 54 cases EPE and/or PSM were recognized. In 34 of 38 cases (89.5%) with EPE, the EPE was identified at lateral, posterolateral and/or posterior portions in base and/or middle of the prostate. Particularly, in 31 cases (81.6%) the EPE was found posterolaterally. Only in 5 of these 34 cases (14.7%) PSM resulted from the EPE. When 35 cases with PSM were evaluated, the PSM occurred apically in 22 (62.9%) and anteriorly in 11 (31.4%). Only in 4 cases (14.3%) PSM was caused by EPE of apical and/or anterior portions.
(Conclusions) The majority of EPE were observed at the posterolateral portion of the prostatic base and/or middle. However, PSM were frequently identified apically and/or anteriorly. These findings suggest that modifications of surgical technique of apical dissection might reduce the frequency of PSM.
