In treating prostate cancer, minimally invasive techniques can now replace the standard radical prostatectomy in selected patients.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a novel surgical approach developed over the past few years. A tiny video camera is inserted through one small incision and the prostate is removed through other small incisions while the surgeon is guided by the use of a video monitor. Patients are back to normal activities in two to four weeks (rather than up to eight weeks with open surgery) and the patient usually spends less than two days in the hospital.

Brachytherapy may be used as an adjunct to external beam radiation, or in some cases is used in place of conventional radiation. While conventional external beam radiation therapy involves six to eight weeks of daily radiation treatments, the minimally invasive method can be performed through one minor operation.

In the United States:

• One in six men develops prostate cancer during his life.

• It is the second most common form of cancer in American men, second only to skin cancer

• It is the second-leading cause of cancer death behind lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Prostate cancer may arise in any part of the prostate gland, but is most commonly found in the outer portions. It is more common in older men and in men whose fathers had prostate cancer. Its cause is unknown.

For more information about the Department of Urology, contact:

Phone: 214-648-4765, FAX: 214-648-4789

Mailing Address:  5323 Harry Hines Blvd., J8.148, Dallas, TX  75390-9110