Surgical site infections after radical prostatectomy: A comparative study between robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and retropubic radical prostatectomy

Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) is defined as infection at or near surgical incisions within 30 days of an operative procedure and classified either incisional superficial and deep or organ/space. The aim of the study is to report and compare the incidence and management of SSIs after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP). Material and methods: Within the last 4 years, we identified 285 patients that underwent RRP, n=187 (66%) or RALP, n=98 (34%). We reviewed the frequency, types and way of management of SSI complications. Results: A significant difference was found between RALP and RRP (2/98, 2% vs. 27/187, 14.4%; p<0.0001) as for SSIs. The time interval between the time of surgery and diagnosis of SSIs was longer in RALP relative to RRP (median 13.5 vs. 12.9 days, p=0.761). Conclusion: All types of SSIs could be developed after RP, however RALP patients only experienced organ or space SSIs and have a lower rate of SSIs and shorter treatment time.