Vol. 1, Issue 8, Part I (2015)

Abstract
Background: Carcinoma of the prostate is one of the commonest cancer afflicting elderly men globally with varying treatment options. Orchidectomy still occupies a prime place in developing countries where drugs are either unavailable or expensive. Patients and Methods: The study reviewed all patients with carcinoma of the prostate managed in the University of Maiduguri teaching hospital (UMTH) between January 2009 and December 2013. All patients aged 50 years and above advanced disease had orchidectomy as primary treatment except when declined. Patients below 50 years of age were not offered orchidectomy for fertility reasons. Hormone resistant tumours were treated with anti-androgens such as stilboestrol, flutamide, bicalutamide, steroids, ketoconazole and bisphosphonates among others Results: A total of 101 patients were studied age ranged from 42- 90 years with a mean of 67.30 years and SD of 11.56. The peak age group was 60 – 69 years, accounting for 43.65% of the patients. The clinical features included lower urinary tract symptoms in all patients, and low back pain in 66.34%. Complications at presentation were anemia in 54.56% and paraplegia in 18.81%. The procedures done were orchidectomy in 88.11, thoracostomy tube drainage of pleural effusion in 4.95%, and open reduction and internal fixation of femoral fractures in 5.94%. The 2 year and 5 year survival were 71% and 27% respectively. Conclusion: Carcinoma of the prostate is fairly common, but patients present late with advanced disease and complications. Orchidectomy offers cost effective modality of treatment.