Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men, after lung cancer. Traditionally, the traumatic open radical prostatectomy procedure was the only treatment option available. Although nerve-sparing techniques have evolved, the development of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) has been one of the most significant changes in surgical treatment of the disease. Like many minimally invasive abdominal procedures, LRP reduces trauma, resulting in less postoperative pain, reduced length of hospital stay, and more rapid return to normal activity when compared to open radical prostatectomy. This article describes the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of a patient undergoing LRP. It is anticipated that LRP will be the future standard for treatment of prostate cancer that requires radical surgery.