Declining use of radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy despite more robotics: National population data over 15 years

Abstract

Aim: To describe national surgical patterns of prostate cancer (PCa) care considering radical prostatectomy with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy and consideration of robotic-assisted techniques. Methods: Retrospective analysis of publicly accessible Medicare claims data was performed for the period 2001–2016 and included patients undergoing radical prostatectomy with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy relative to total and PCa-specific populations among men aged 45–84 years. Proportion of cases performed robotically was considered. Results: Total procedures performed increased from 2001, peaked in 2009 and subsequently decreased until 2016. Since 2009, the age-specific rate of surgery in me..