Evaluating types of robotic surgery for prostate cancer

This study aimed to investigate a surgical procedure used to treat prostate cancer, retzius sparing laparoscopic robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RALP). This study found that RS-RALP had similar side-effects and outcomes to other robotic surgeries.

Prostate surgery is a treatment option for prostate cancer (PCa). This surgery can be carried out by classic methods (open surgery) or by using special tools, called robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Retzius sparing RALP (RS-RALP) appears to have better continence rates compared to other types of RALPs. Continence is the ability to hold urine without leaking. However, RS-RALP's effectiveness is still unknown.

This study included 638 patients from 6 clinical trials. 318 patients had RS-RALP and 320 had conventional RALP. Side-effects and tumor free rates after surgery were compared.

RS-RALP was associated with better early continence rates. This was noted at 1 and 3 months after surgery. RS-RALP had similar continence rates to other types of robotic surgeries at 6 and 12 months. It had similar tumor free outcomes to other types of robotic surgery. 

This study found that RS-RALP was associated with good early continence and oncological outcomes.

This study is of a low level of evidence. Further studies are needed.