Single-port robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: initial experience and technique with the da Vinci® SP platform

Objectives:To assess the safety and feasibility of the da Vinci (R) SP (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) robotic platform for a consecutive series of patients who underwent single-port robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (SP-RALP). Patients and Methods In all, 10 consecutive patients with biopsy confirmed prostate cancer underwent SP-RALP at our institution. Pre-, peri-, and postoperative data were prospectively collected for key outcomes including: estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, postoperative pain requirements, duration of hospital stay, and complications. Results The patients were aged 52-77 years with a body mass index of 24.4-36.7 kg/m(2). Prostate volumes ranged from 26 to 136 mL, with a mean (sd) PSA (prostate specific antigen) level of 11.0 (10.6) ng/mL. Lymph node dissection was performed in four patients and nerve sparing in five. No intraoperative complications occurred, and no patients required conversion to an open approach. Total EBL was 20-150 mL, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) console time of 189 (171-207) min and operative time of 234 (216-247) min. No patients were readmitted or required intervention. Urethral catheters were removed at a median (IQR) of 10 (8-11) days after surgery. Conclusion SP-RALP appears to be a safe and feasible approach to performing robotic radical prostatectomy. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to assess initial oncological and functional results.