What are the differences between robot-assisted and open prostate surgery?

The authors compared the effectiveness of robot-assisted and open prostate surgery in prostate cancer patients. 

Prostate surgery is a common treatment option in prostate cancer. It involves surgically removing the prostate gland. There are numerous types of prostate surgery. Open radical prostate surgery involves an 8 to 10 inch cut made bellow the belly button through which surgery is performed. Robot-assisted prostate surgery is a minimally invasive (no large scarring) surgery. Here, the surgeon controls robotic arms that carry out the operation through small cuts made in the stomach.

Further studies are needed to compare the effectiveness of robot-assisted and open radical surgery in prostate cancer patients. 

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of robot-assisted and open radical surgery in prostate cancer patients.

5, 915 patients were included in this study. 41.2% of patients underwent open radical surgery (Group 1). 58.8% of patients underwent robot-assisted surgery (Group 2).

After 30 days and 90 days, group 2 patients experienced higher rates of stomach and intestine complications but lower rates of random surgical complications compared to group 1 patients. After 90 days, group 2 patients experienced lower rates of lung, wound, and random surgical complications compared to group 1 patients. Group 2 patients were 25% less likely to need blood transfusions (blood given through injection) after surgery and experienced 30% shorter hospital stays compared to group 1 patients. Group 2 patients experienced 1.52 times higher hospital charges within 1-year following surgery compared to group 2 patients.

The authors concluded that robot-assisted and open radical prostate surgery had comparable rates of complications. Though robot-assisted surgery had a lower risk of blood transfusions and shorter hospital stays, it was more expensive than open radical surgery.