Correlation between postoperative prostate-specific antigen and biochemical recurrence in positive surgical margin patients: Single surgeon series

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relationship between postoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy, especially in patients with positive surgical margins (PSMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 144 patients who underwent radical prostatectomies performed by a single surgeon without any neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment were analyzed. Differences in clinicopathological factors were compared by surgical margin status, and the relationship between postoperative PSA level and BCR in patients with PSMs was evaluated. RESULTS: = 0.022). CONCLUSION: If PSA is detectable in PSMs patients until 1 month after operation, cautious observation may be possible. If the nadir is attained within 3 months postoperatively in high-risk patients with PSMs, better BCR-free survival may be expected.