Robotic-assisted surgery and the evolution of the radical prostatectomy

The surgical treatment of prostate cancer has evolved considerably since it was first described in 1905. With the introduction of a robotic, surgical-assist device, minimally invasive techniques for prostate removal have been increasingly utilized throughout the world. Currently, there is a large body of literature suggesting that robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is associated with certain improved perioperative and postoperative outcomes and similar cancer control rates compared to open radical prostatectomy. The goal of this review is to objectively evaluate and describe the current state-of-the-art in surgical technique, perioperative and long-term outcomes, complications and the future of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.