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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: May 19, 2022
Perioperative complications of robotic radical prostatectomy after the learning curve
Akshay Bhandari1, Linda McIntire, Sanjeev A Kaul
1Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA. abhanda1@hfhs.org
Purpose:
We assessed the incidence of and analyzed factors that contributed to perioperative complications in patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy, that is Vattikuti Institute prostatectomy (VIP), at our institution.
Materials And Methods:
We recorded operative and postoperative data on 300 consecutive patients who underwent VIP at our institution during a 1-year period. All operations were performed by 1 of 2 surgeons (MM or JOP). We reviewed the complications seen in these patients.
Results:
There was no operative mortality and no case was converted to open surgery. A total of 269 (89.7%) patients were considered to have an ideal postoperative course, ie they were discharged home within 48 hours with no unscheduled office visits or complications. There were 14 unscheduled postoperative visits (4.7%) for transient urinary retention after early catheter removal (13) or hematuria (1). There were 17 complications, of which 16 (5.3%) were related to surgery and 1 was related to anesthesia. A total of 11 complications (3.7%) were minor (grade I) and 5 (1.7%) were major (grade II). Of them 3 (1%) patients required reoperation. There were no grade III or IV complications.
Conclusions:
In our hands VIP is a safe operation with an overall complication rate of 5.3%, a major complication rate of less than 2% and a surgical re-intervention rate of 1%.
Insights
Vattikuti Institute prostatectomy (VIP) is a safe robotic radical prostatectomy with a low complication rate. This study found an overall complication rate of 5.3% and a major complication rate under 2%.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Robotic radical prostatectomy is a common procedure for prostate cancer.
- Assessing perioperative complications is crucial for patient safety and surgical quality improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of perioperative complications following Vattikuti Institute prostatectomy (VIP).
- To analyze factors contributing to complications in patients undergoing VIP.
Main Methods:
- A review of operative and postoperative data from 300 consecutive patients who underwent VIP over a 1-year period.
- All surgeries were performed by two experienced surgeons.
- Complications were systematically recorded and categorized.
Main Results:
- No operative mortality or conversion to open surgery was observed.
- 89.7% of patients experienced an ideal postoperative course.
- The overall complication rate was 5.3% (17/300), with 1.7% major complications (grade II).
- 1% of patients required reoperation.
Conclusions:
- Vattikuti Institute prostatectomy (VIP) is a safe procedure with a low overall complication rate.
- The major complication rate is less than 2%, and the surgical re-intervention rate is 1%.