The posterior approach of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of the posterior approach of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and to the approach. Methods From November 2001 to April 2017, 32 patients underwent posterior approach of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Patients aged 53 to 81 years, with mean of 66.9 years old. Their prostate volumes were 12.0-73.7 ml with an average of 32.9 ml. All patients were diagnosed by prostate biopsy before surgery. The operation time, blood loss and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results All the operations were completed by robotic assisted laparoscopy with no transition to open surgery. The surgery time was 129-210 minutes with an average of 163.6 minutes. The estimated blood loss was 20-200 ml with an average of 59.3 ml. The hospital stay was 8-21 days with an average of 12.8 days. The postoperative hospital stay was 3-13 days with an average of 6.9 days. The time of postoperative catheter removal was 4-14 days with an average of 7.5 days. Postoperative follow-up was 1-6 months. Twenty-four (75%) patients had early recovery of continence, and all (100%) patients regained continence 3-month postoperatively. Conclusion The posterior approach of robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was a safe and effective surgical technique, which was beneficial in early continence recovery. Key words: Prostatic neoplasms; Robotic surgery; Radical prostatectomy; Posterior approach