In a nutshell
This study compared the effectiveness of functional and oncological outcomes of robotic-assisted (RA) and laparoscopic (Lap) radical prostatectomy (RP; removal of the prostate) in localized and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). the study concluded that RARP was similarly effective and had better urinary and sexual outcomes compared to LapRP.
Some background
Localized PCa is a form of cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland. RP is a surgical method to remove the prostate gland. RP can be carried out by robotic hands – RARP, or by making a small incision known as LapRP.
Involuntary urine leakage after RP is a persistent problem with patients with PCa. Modern surgical approaches like RARP and LapRP, are known to offer improved urinary continence (UC) and optimal oncological outcome. Urinary continence is the ability to control urine without leaking. Sexual dysfunction is also common following RP. There is a lack of data comparing the urinary and sexual outcomes of RARP versus LapRP for localized PCa.
Methods & findings
This study involved 718 patients with localized PCa. The patients were randomly assigned to undergo either RARP (547) or LapRP (171). Patients were followed up after 3 months for urinary and sexual function.
54% of the RARP group were completely pad-free compared to 46% of the LapRP group. A significant potency recovery was also identified for the RARP group (18%) compared to the LapRP group (6.7%) at 3-month following surgery.
Complications after surgery were more common in the LapRP group (21%) compared to the RARP group (15%). Oncological outcomes were similar for both groups.
The bottom line
This study concluded that RARP had better early urinary continence and potency recovery compared to LapRP in patients with PCa.
The fine print
The study used different techniques for making new surgical connections for RP. This might limit the continence rate analysis.
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Feb 08, 2021
