Intraoperative, perioperative, and long-term complications of radical prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy has become increasingly popular for the treatment of localized prostate cancer in the last decade. With improvements of surgical technique and anesthesia, the rate of intraoperative and early postoperative complications has decreased in the last two decades. Today, long-term morbidity associated with urinary incontinence and impotence is the major concern of patients facing decisions regarding management of localized prostate cancer. Improved continence and potency rates can be achieved with increased surgeon's experience and in centers with large volume of cases.