Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes

Objective: To evaluate the surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, a total of 203 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Of these patients, 150 were included into the study and were followed for a minimum of 1 year. Body mass index, IIEF-5 score, positive surgical margin rates, operative times, estimated blood loss, transfusion rates, biochemical recurrence rates, and length of hospital stay were noted. The continence and potency rates were evaluated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: The mean operative time was 156 min. The mean blood loss was 220 mL. Bilateral nerve sparing was performed in 112, whereas a unilateral nerve sparing technique was used in 12 patients. A conversion to open surgery occurred in 1 patient due to excessive bleeding. The drain was removed after a mean duration of 2 days. The mean length of stay was 3.9 days. The urethral catheter was removed in a mean of 8.5 days. There were 20 grade 2, 5 grade 3, 2 grade 4 and 1 grade 5 complications (a total of 28 complications). Conclusion: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is an effective and safe minimally invasive approach in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. It is a strong alternative to conventional techniques with respect to its surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes.