Laparoscopy in German urology: changing acceptance among urologists

Laparoscopic techniques have dramatically influenced urologic surgery in the past 2 decades.

A questionnaire was distributed in 2006 to analyse laparoscopic practice patterns in Germany. The results were compared with a survey performed in 2002.

In 2006, 324 German urology departments received a detailed, anonymous, and self-administered questionnaire regarding demographic data, current use, and attitudes concerning laparoscopy. Quantitative evaluation of laparoscopic procedures was performed for 20 indications.

The response rate was 73% (238 of 324 institutions). Thirty-two responders were affiliated with universities; 95 responders were affiliated with urban hospitals; 101 responders were affiliated with general hospitals; and 9 responders were affiliated with private hospitals. Laparoscopy had been implemented as a standard operating procedure in 82% of the departments, an increase of 28% compared with the 2002 questionnaire. Forty-eight percent of participants expected a similar operating time to that of open surgery, an increase of 16% compared with the 2002 questionnaire. Concerns about the learning curve dropped from 92% in 2002 to 80% in 2006, and concerns about economic disadvantages dropped from 70% in 2002 to 45% in 2006. Criticism regarding lack of sufficient scientific data decreased from 76% in 2002 to 13% in 2006. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (>40 per year) were performed in 30 hospitals in 2006, an increase of 27% over 2002. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed 16-40 times per year in 33 of the responding institutions, an increase of 29% over 2002, and laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed >40 per year in 10 of the institutions, an increase of 9% over 2002. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty had a reported frequency of 16-40 procedures per year in 11 of the responding institutions, an increase of 10% over 2002, and laparoscopic pyeloplasty had a frequency between 5 and 15 procedures per year in 42 institutions, an increase of 37% over 2002. Only four hospitals performed cystectomy with ileum conduit and with orthotopic bladder substitute (5-15 cases per year).

The results demonstrate the rising acceptance of laparoscopy in urologic surgery (an increase of 28% more departments performing laparoscopy) and an increasing interest in these techniques (an increase of 12% in the response rate). Their value is still limited by the response rate of only 73%.

This survey demonstrates the increasing impact of laparoscopy on surgical patterns in urology and the increasing acceptance of laparoscopic techniques concerning operating time, learning curve, and scientific approval.