Critical comparison of laparoscopic, robotic, and open radical prostatectomy: techniques, outcomes, and cost

Radical prostatectomy has maintained paramount importance in prostate cancer management. Emerging alternative treatments are laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy. Technical modifications have improved radical prostatectomy outcomes, yet surgery remains difficult to perform regardless of approach. Contemporary series have shown comparable outcomes with operative time, transfusion rates, analgesia, and length of catheterization. Open radical prostatectomy provides excellent long-term oncologic control, but sparse short-term data are available for laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy. Favorable outcomes also have been reported for urinary control and sexual function, regardless of approach. Additional prospective data collection is needed to evaluate if minimally invasive approaches provide distinct advantages over open surgery.