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

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. © 2011 Springer-Verlag London Ltd.