Digital Rectal Examination is no Longer Necessary in the Routine Follow-up of Men with Undetectable Prostate Specific Antigen after Radical Prostatectomy: The Implications for Follow-up

DRE is no longer necessary in the routine follow-up of patients with an undetectable PSA after radical prostatectomy. Following a period of approximately 2 years of out-patient clinic follow-up post-operatively in which issues such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction are addressed and treated, it is possible to restrict follow-up to PSA determinations alone and as long as the PSA remains undetectable counselling can be carried out by a nurse practitioner.