No abstract

Histopathologic changes seen after combined radiotherapy correlate with the findings on T2-weighted MR images. MR imaging cannot replace follow-up by routine biopsy. Its only role is assessing local operability in cases found to have increasing PSA levels during follow-up. Further studies are needed to determine the role of MR imaging in this patient population.

Brachytherapy of prostate cancer has become attractive in recent years in Germany. There are several radioactive sources available, which are physically different. Some of them are used as permanent or temporary implants. The permanent sources most frequently used are iodine 125, palladium 103, and gold 198. Iridium is a temporary implant. The techniques used in Germany are low-dose rate (LDR) and high-dose rate brachytherapy, which differ in dose distribution and patient population. The success of prostate cancer brachytherapy depends on patient selection and choosing the right source for the technique used. Best suited for LDR monotherapy is the low-risk patient with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level below 10 ng/ml, maximal tumor stage T2b, and a Gleason score of less than 7.

Once laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been mastered, the step to performing a radical cystectomy is not that far. The challenge is to create the urinary diversion by laparoscopy. In this report we describe our experience with 11 laparoscopic radical cystectomies and intracorporeal construction of a continent urinary diversion (Mainz pouch II) as a treatment option in patients with muscle-invading bladder cancer. All 11 procedures could be performed successfully. A conversion to open surgery was not required in any case. The mean surgery time was 6.7 h. Except for two pouch fistulas we did not observe any intra- or postoperative complications. The functional as well as the oncological results are convincing. Less morbidity and faster recovery are the main advantages of this minimally invasive procedure. In addition, the low levels of blood loss, fluid shifts, and electrolyte loss considerably reduce cardiovascular stress. Radical cystectomy and construction of a continent urinary diversion represent the limit of technically feasible laparoscopy and should be done exclusively in specialized centers.