[In favour of open versus laparoscopic prostatectomy]

Recovery following uncomplicated laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is somewhat faster than that following open prostatectomy. Recovery of erectile function also occurs faster and better. However, these advantages are gained at the cost of more positive resection fields and less favourable oncologic results. Postoperatively, many patients appear to have T3 tumours, which cannot be optimally detected with current imaging techniques. Therefore, an open operation remains preferable.