Update on laparoscopic and robotic radical prostatectomy

Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted prostatectomy have been proposed as alternatives to traditional open retropubic prostatectomy. In this review, we update the more recent data concerning the results, technical trends and controversies regarding these novel, minimally invasive procedures.

As a result of improved patient selection, a better understanding of surgical anatomy, and refinements in surgical techniques, traditional retropubic prostatectomy set the standards very high, leaving little room for improvement. In this review, the results of laparoscopic prostatectomy are compared with contemporary in addition to historical series. Besides the transperitoneal laparoscopic approach, which was almost exclusively used in the initial series, the introduction and development of the extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach meant a significant change in the surgical strategy of a number of teams worldwide. The relative merits of the transperitoneal and extraperitoneal approaches are discussed. Robotic radical prostatectomy is a promising technical innovation that allows us to overcome many of the inherent limitations of laparoscopic surgery. As a result of financial constraints, the experience has been limited to a few centres worldwide.

Although long-term results are still lacking, novel minimally invasive techniques seem to fulfil the highest standards of radical prostatectomy in terms of early oncological cure, functional results and morbidity. A standardization of data collection and evaluation methodology will be indispensable for a better comparison of the different series.