To define the sonographic characteristics of local cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

in 114 patients with an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and negative bone scan, 156 ultrasound-guided prostate fossa biopsies were carried out.

in 53.5%, biopsy proved local recurrence. More than one ultrasound-guided biopsy session was required to make the diagnosis in 33% of patients. Local recurrence was seen on ultrasound at the anastomotic site (66%), the bladder neck (16%), and posterior to the trigone (13%). in 5% of patients there was a normal-appearing anastomotic site. Transrectal ultrasound was greater than 90% sensitive in detecting local recurrence, but lacked specificity. Examination of the radical prostatectomy specimens in patients with local recurrence showed positive surgical margins in 66% and organ-confined disease in 20%.

Transrectal ultrasonography is a useful adjunct to PSA and digital rectal examination in the detection of local recurrences following radical prostatectomy.