Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: initial 30-case experience

We carried out this study to clarify whether the operative methods of laparoscopic prostatectomy established in France could become standard therapy. The purpose was to evaluate the technical feasibility, oncological efficacy, and intraoperative and postoperative morbidity of laparoscopic prostatectomy performed by a general urologist.

Between June 2000 and August 2002, 30 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy performed as previously reported by Guillonneau and colleagues. Oncological data were assessed by pathological examination and by postoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. All prostatectomy specimens were processed according to the Stanford protocol. Prostate features, including tumor weight; Gleason score; and the tumor status of the capsule, seminal vesicles, and surgical margins were studied.

Complete laparoscopic removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles was achieved in all 30 patients. Operating time averaged 325.5 min (range, 165 to 880 min). The transfusion rate for the patients in the series was 50%, using own-blood transfusion (800-1200 ml). No patient required an allogenic blood transfusion. Only 2 of the 30 patients had a positive surgical margin that involved the urethra. There were three complications: bladder injury, rectal injury, and ileus associated with a drainage tube. No vascular, nervous system, or urethral complications were found.

These preliminary results demonstrated that radical prostatectomy can be performed laparoscopically by general urologists. Laparoscopy offered better luminosity and magnification than conventional procedures, permitting precise dissection. Thus, laparoscopic prostatectomy could be a standard operation for patients with clinically organ-confirmed prostate cancer.