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Recent analysis of data on the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test might soon diminish the use of PSA-based screening for prostate cancer (JW Oncol Hematol Sep 9 2008). Nonetheless, while prostate cancer–diagnosis rates continue to rise, so does the use of curative-intent local therapy. Laparoscopic prostatectomy with or without robotic assistance (also known as minimally invasive radical prostatectomy [MIRP]) has gained a popularity that is driven by patient expectations of better experiences with MIRP than with open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), as well as by direct-to-consumer advertising (JW Oncol Hematol Apr 14 2009).
To assess outcomes after MIRP versus RRP, investigators analyzed Medicare claims data from the Surveillance, …