Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: May 19, 2022
Comparison of postoperative infection between robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and open radical
Katsumi Shigemura1, Kazushi Tanaka, Fukashi Yamamichi
1Division of Urology, Department of Organs Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
Background:
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has been rapidly adapted worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative infection (POI) after RALP and compare it with that after open radical prostatectomy (ORP).
Methods:
89 consecutive RALP cases and 105 recent ORP cases were enrolled. POIs were categorized according to CDC guideline criteria. Laboratory data relating to infection such as serum white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were comparatively investigated before and after the surgeries. Data were collected and analyzed retrospectively.
Results:
There was one surgical site infection patient in the RALP cases (1/89, 1.12%). ORP cases had a comparatively higher ratio of POI (6/105, 4.77%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0876). The postoperative rise of serum WBC (postoperative days 1 and 4) and CRP (postoperative days 1, 4 and 7) was significantly suppressed from pre-surgery data in RALP when compared to ORP.
Conclusions:
RALP tended to have a lower rate of POI than ORP even though this change was not statistically significant and the postoperative rise of serum WBC and CRP was significantly suppressed in RALP compared to ORP. A prospective study with a standardized prophylactic antibiotic administration may be necessary for further evaluation of potential guidelines for RALP.
Insights
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) showed a trend towards lower postoperative infection (POI) rates compared to open radical prostatectomy (ORP). RALP also demonstrated significantly reduced postoperative inflammatory markers like white blood cells and C-reactive protein.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Surgical Oncology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) adoption is increasing globally.
- Postoperative infection (POI) is a significant concern following radical prostatectomy.
- Comparison of POI between RALP and open radical prostatectomy (ORP) is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of POI after RALP.
- To compare POI rates between RALP and ORP.
- To analyze inflammatory markers (WBC, CRP) post-surgery in both groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 89 RALP and 105 ORP cases.
- POI classification based on CDC guidelines.
- Comparative analysis of serum white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels pre- and post-surgery.
Main Results:
- RALP had a lower POI rate (1.12%) than ORP (4.77%), though not statistically significant (p=0.0876).
- Postoperative WBC and CRP levels were significantly lower in RALP patients compared to ORP patients.
- Inflammatory marker trends suggest a suppressed systemic inflammatory response in RALP.
Conclusions:
- RALP may be associated with a lower POI rate and reduced postoperative inflammation compared to ORP.
- Further prospective studies with standardized antibiotic protocols are needed to confirm these findings.
- RALP demonstrates potential benefits in mitigating postoperative infectious complications.