Single-port Transvesical Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy: Surgical Technique and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

BackgroundSurgical management of large prostatic adenomas can be performed via open, endoscopic, or robotic approaches. A low-profile single-port (SP) robot was built to work in confined areas (ie, the bladder) and regionalize surgery. ObjectiveTo describe the novel SP transvesical (TV) robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) and report clinical outcomes. Design, setting, and participantsSP TV RASP cases were performed in an academic hospital by two surgeons from 2019 to 2023. A total of 117 cases were performed, and data from patients with at least 12 mo of follow-up were analyzed. The inclusion criterion was severe obstructive urinary symptoms or catheter-dependent urinary retention due to large prostates with volume >80 ml. Surgical procedureThe procedure consisted of two main steps through a single 3-cm suprapubic incision: first, enucleation of the adenoma, and second, a 360° bladder mucosal flap reconstruction. No drains or continuous bladder irrigation was used routinely. MeasurementsIntraoperative parameters, pre- and postoperative uroflowmetry, and 1-yr clinical outcomes were assessed. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the data. Results and limitationsAll procedures were completed successfully without additional ports or conversions. The median console time and estimated blood loss were 107 min and 100 ml, respectively. Transfusion rate was 0%. Intraoperative complications included two suspected air emboli attributed to high insufflation pressures. There were no major postoperative complications. In total, 95.8% were discharged within the first 24 h, with a median length of stay and pain score of 5 h and 3/10, respectively. There was persistent improvement in the median International Prostate Symptom Score and flow rate after 1 yr. The median Sexual Score Inventory for Men score was 20 at 12 mo. Our study is limited by its retrospective nature and cohort size. ConclusionsSP TV RASP is a feasible alternative for the management of severe benign prostatic hyperplasia that promotes fast recovery and demonstrates 1-yr improvement in urinary function. Patient summarySingle-port transvesical robot-assisted simple prostatectomy is a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of large benign prostatic growth. A single robotic arm goes through a small incision in the skin and bladder to extract the obstructive prostatic tissue. Afterward, reconstruction of the area is done to decrease bleeding and improve postoperative symptoms. We found that patients recover quickly and have excellent clinical results with a low risk of complications.