[Radical prostatectomy with minilaparotomy "minilap" for patients with prostate cancer].

INTRODUCTION: prostate cancer is the most frequent tumor in males. The use of PSA contributes to diagnose tumors with low stage. Radical Prostatectomy (R.P.) is the gold standard to treat this tumor; however such is not exempt of risks. Different technical modifications like minimal incisions minilaparotomy "minilap" had contributed to improve results. We review our experience with Minilap on patients underwent a RP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between April 1997 and September 2005 carry out 110 RP with Minilap technique. All cases were performed with minimal incision 7-8 cm of length. We use and specific retractor developed in our hospital. Median age at time of surgery was 65 (47-79). Clinical stage in 39 (35.4%) were T1c, 64 (58.3%) T2 and 7 (6.3%) T3. Sixty eight percent were Gleason score < or =6, 34(30.9%) 7 and 1 (0.9%) Gleason 8.

RESULTS: In 86 cases (38.5%) pathological stage were pT2, 21 (19%) pT3, 1 (0.9%) pT4 and 2 (1.8%) pT0. Nine patients (8%) had postoperative complications. No re-interventions were necessary and 101 (90%) were discharge without per operatives complications. Mean length of stay was 4 days and 97 (88.8%) of patients were discharge with only five days length of stay. Urinary continence rate with a year like minimal follow up is 92.3% and 40% preserve sexual activity.

CONCLUSIONS: Minimal invasive techniques like minilap can be done in regular form with good results and without long learning curve.