Robotic radical prostatectomy: the Vattikuti Urology Institute training experience

Robotic radical prostatectomy is increasingly becoming a popular surgical treatment modality for men with clinically localized prostate cancer. Establishing a robotic prostatectomy program is a tremendous undertaking for any institution requiring both financial support and a dedicated operating room team. A structured approach to learning robotics is paramount in order to successfully start a program while optimizing the learning curve to master the technique and minimize peri-operative complications. We describe our own experience in establishing a robotics program to accomplish a safe and effective operation. In addition, we describe the steps utilized in order to teach our structured approach to other practitioners and institutions around the world. Robotic surgery can be taught to experienced open, as well as, laparoscopic surgeons, and incorporated into residency and fellowship training using this structured approach to learning.