LAPAROSCOPIC EXTRAPERITONEAL RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY: OUR FIRST EXPERIENCES

Introduction: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a relatively new and contemporary approach in the surgical management of localized prostate cancer. We report our preliminary results after 6 procedures. Materials and Methods: We performed laparoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (LERP) in 6 patients between January and June in 2004. Clinical stage, serum PSA, Gleason score, operating time, surgical and medical complications, estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, hospital stay and catheterization times were recorded. The pathologic stage (1997 TNM classification), status of surgical margins and continence were noted. Results: There was no conversion and reintervention. The mean operation time was 320 minutes. The mean blood loss was 178.3 ml. The mean hospital stay was 4.5 days. There were no major complications. Subileus occurred in one patient and resolved spontaneously. The mean catheterization time was 13.3 days. 2 of 6 patients had positive surgical margins at the urethra. 4 of 6 patients were continent after a median followup period of 3 months. Conclusion: LERP as a minimally invasive procedure seems to offer the same early oncological and surgical results as conventional open radical prostatectomy. Long and gradual learning curve of this procedure is its main disadvantage.