Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: published series

Next to the retropubic and perineal approaches, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has become the third most common technique in the surgical treatment of localized prostate cancer. Although long-term oncologic data are still lacking, based on several contemporary series, it seems likely that oncologic results will fulfill expectations. Over the past decade, quality-of-life issues have come into the spotlight in oncologic surgery in particular. In this regard, the aim of the laparoscopic technique is to become the best in terms of operative stress, postoperative morbidity, catheterization time, and return to normal activities. The unique intraoperative visibility and magnification of the operative field allow ultraprecise dissection and suturing of vital neural and sphincteric structures. Will the use of this new kind of surgery translate into better functional results? The goal of this review is to analyze the published results of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the context of its rapidly evolving open surgical counterpart.