Salvage radical prostatectomy

Salvage prostatectomy and cystoprostatectomy offer the best chance for cure in select patients with local recurrence after definitive radiation therap y for prostate cancer. The best candidates are those with preradiation favo rable prognostic factors. Early detection of local recurrence using serum p rostate-specific antigen (PSA) has resulted in improved disease-free surviv al compared with the pre-PSA era over the last two decades. The quality of life after salvage surgery is affected by urinary incontinence and impotenc e. The majority of patients are satisfied with their treatment results.