Trial of Modifications to Radical Prostatectomy

• To evaluate whether a modification to the template for lymph node dissection reduces biochemical recurrence rates [ Time Frame: 2 years ]
  Biochemical recurrence is defined as any postoperative PSA of 0.2 ng / mL or higher, or treatment with hormones, radiotherapy or chemotherapy starting six months or more after radical prostatectomy.
• urinary tract infection (UTI) [ Time Frame: within 10 days ]
  urinary tract infection (UTI) within 10 days of catheter removal. We will use the CDC's definition of UTI: symptomatic UTI diagnosed in patients with positive urine cultures (≥100,000 microorganisms per cm3) and at least one of the following signs or symptoms with no other recognized cause: fever (>38oC), urgency, frequency, dysuria or suprapubic tenderness.50 UTI is routinely captured by clinical staff as a surgical complication.

This study aims to determine how different ways of performing prostate cancer surgery affect patient outcomes, such as recurrence of cancer or regaining control of bladder function (continence) after surgery. Surgery to remove the prostate is known as a "radical prostatectomy". Surgeons know many things about the best way to do a radical prostatectomy. However, there is uncertainty about some methods of surgery.

All of the surgeons who are taking part in this study have used these techniques at different times. However, they are unsure as to what is the best approach. This trial will evaluate whether the following two aspects of surgical technique influence outcome:

Lymph node template. Prostate cancer can sometimes spread to the lymph nodes near the prostate. Surgeons often remove these lymph nodes to make sure that no cancer is left in the body. However, there is uncertainty about which lymph nodes to remove (the "template"). In particular, not all surgeons think that it is important to remove a large number of lymph nodes. Some believe that prostate cancer found in the lymph nodes is not aggressive. As a result, these surgeons feel that removing additional lymph nodes does not improve the chance that a patient will be cured. In the study patients will either have the standard lymph node dissection or a modified approach.

Port site incision. Some surgeries are conducted with the help of what is called a surgical "robot", or using a laparoscopic approach (sometimes known as "keyhole" surgery). The surgeons have to make small cuts ("incisions") in order to insert their surgical instruments. Some surgeons believe that the way in which this cut is made can affect the chance that a patient will develop a hernia in the months after surgery. This is when tissues in the abdomen protrude through the incision, creating a small bulge that has to be surgically corrected. In the study, patients will either have the incision made vertically or horizontally.

Antibiotics. About a week after surgery, you will return to the hospital to have your catheter removed. To guard against the chance of infection, you will be given antibiotics. These do help prevent infection, but are also harmful. Doctors are unsure whether to give a short course of antibiotics or whether patients really need several days of treatment. In the study, patients will receive antibiotics for either one or three days.

• Procedure: Lymph node template
  Inclusion of the external iliac, hypogastric and obturator fossa nodal groups in the template undergoing a Radical Prostatectomy. Modifying the template for lymph node dissection may lead to removal of additional affected nodes, reducing the chance of recurrence.
• Procedure: Transverse versus vertical closure
  Transverse versus vertical closure of the port site incision
• Drug: antibiotic prophylaxis
  One vs. three days of antibiotic prophylaxis at catheter removal

• Experimental: Lymph node template
  In patients randomized to standard, only the nodal packet under the external iliac vein and above the obturator nerve will be dissected. For patients randomized to the modified template, the external iliac, hypogastric and obturator fossa nodal groups will be removed.
  Intervention: Procedure: Lymph node template
• Experimental: Transverse versus vertical closure of the port site incision
  Intervention: Procedure: Transverse versus vertical closure
• Experimental: One vs. three days of antibiotic prophylaxis
  Intervention: Drug: antibiotic prophylaxis

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients do not have to be eligible for both modifications to be included in the study.

Template modification:

• Patients 21 years or older scheduled for radical prostatectomy for the treatment of prostate cancer with one of the consenting surgeons at MSKCC.

Antbiotic prophylaxis:

• Patients 21 years or older scheduled for radical prostatectomy for the treatment of prostate cancer with one of the consenting surgeons at MSKCC.

Port site closure technique:

• Patients 21 years or older scheduled for minimally-invasive radical prostatectomy for the treatment of prostate cancer with one of the consenting surgeons at MSKCC.

Exclusion Criteria:

• There are no exclusion criteria for any of the modifications