Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: initial experience with first 112 cases


Tasci A. I., Bitkin A., Ilbey Y. Ö., Tugcu V., Sonmezay E.

JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SURGERY, vol.6, no.4, pp.283-288, 2012 (ESCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 6 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s11701-011-0307-2
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SURGERY
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.283-288
  • Keywords: Robotic surgery, Prostate cancer, Radical prostatectomy
  • Bezmialem Vakıf University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study we report our initial robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) experience for organ-confined prostate cancer with the first 112 cases between August 2009 and January 2011. The mean age was 61 (46-76) years. Gleason scores ranged between 4 and 9, and the mean prostate volume was 38.7 (15-115) ml. The mean follow-up time was 8.1 (1-18) months. The mean operative time was 174.7 (75-360) min, and the mean estimated blood loss was 141 (60-800) ml. A nerve-sparing procedure was performed bilaterally in 79 cases and unilaterally in 15 cases. All the complications seen (8 out of 112 patients, 7.1%) were grade 1 and 2 according to the Clavien classsification system. Postoperatively, five (4.4%) patients needed transfusion. Mean drain extraction time was 3.2 (2-15) days and mean hospital stay was 4 (2-18) days. The catheter was removed on postoperative day 8.5 (6-20). Surgical margin was positive in 13 (11.6%) patients. Forty-nine patients have 6 months and 30 patients have 12 months follow-up. The continence rate were 29.4, 64.2, 84.2, 91.1 and 96.6% immediately after catheter removal and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. No anastomotic stricture or urinary retention was seen in the follow-up period. RALRP is a safe and feasible technique in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Our initial experience with this procedure shows promising short-term outcomes.