The role of radical prostatectomy in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Recent advances in our understanding of the surgical anatomy of the prostate have led to an improved operative technique for radical prostatectomy. This technique achieves excellent results in terms of urinary continence and preservation of sexual function without compromising cancer control. It is therefore reasonable to offer radical prostatectomy for the cure of localized prostate cancer to patients who are otherwise well and have a life expectancy of more than 10 years.