Robotic radical prostatectomy-a minimally invasive therapy for prostate cancer: results of initial 530 cases

Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy with a Posterior Approach to the Seminal Vesicle in 300 Patients

Background. The goal of this study was to analyze the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (RALPs) performed at our center. Methodology. We retrospectively reviewed 300 consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent RALP with a posterior dissection approach to the seminal vesicle between May 2011 and November 2013. The mean patient age was 67.2 ± 5.5 years (range: 41-78 years), and the mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration, at diagnosis of prostate cancer, was 9.16 ± 6.50 ng/mL (range: 2.20-55.31 ng/mL). Results. The median duration of robotic surgery was 160 min (mean: 165 ± 40 min; range: 75-345 min). Median estimated blood loss, including that in urine, was 200 mL (mean: 277 ± 324 mL; range: 4-3250 mL). Intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications occurred in 3.0% of patients; 4 patients required allogeneic blood transfusion. As a measure of patient continence, 82.4% did not use more than 1 absorbent pad in 24 h, at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion. RALP with an initial posterior dissection to the seminal vesicle was a safe and efficient method for controlling prostate cancer, even in these initial cases.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy uses the newest technology for surgical treatment of men with prostate cancer. Cancer of the prostate is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of death in American men. The Benefits of robotic-assisted prostate surgery over open radical prostatectomy include small portal incisions, decreased blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. Magnification of the surgeon's field of vision and jointed laparoscopic instruments that mimic the human wrist allow precision of movement and the ability to spare nerves, which result in improved postoperative urinary continence and sexual function.