Radical retropubic prostatectomy after transurethral prostatic resection.

In 16 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy because of adenocarcinoma of the prostate after previous transurethral resection, the difficulty of the operation, the morbidity rate, and the survival time were evaluated. Eleven patients had tumours staged A2, 5 patients tumours staged B1. Duration of the operation and blood loss were almost similar to the group of patients who had not had prior transurethral resection of the prostate. The impotence rate was 100% due to difficulties preparing and preserving the neurovascular bundle. Only 1 patient had stress incontinence. One patient died after 2 years with rapid tumour progression, 1 patient shows local recurrence. Radical prostatectomy may be performed safely with an acceptable morbidity rate following transurethral resection of the prostate.