WORKSHOP SUMMARY - APPROACHES TO RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

The retropubic approach has recently become the method of choice for r adical prostatectomy. This has been particularly evident since the 197 0s, when open staging lymphadenectomy became an important part of the diagnostic work-up, as both procedures could be carried out concurrent ly via the anterior approach. However, the development and rapidly inc reasing use of laparoscopic lymphadenectomy may signal a return to the perineal approach in certain cases. Alternatives to radical prostatec tomy, including radiotherapy and interstitial brachytherapy, may also have their place. The audience was asked to comment on their own pract ices and the factors that would influence their decisions.