Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy - the 5-year Romanian experience

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Radical prostatectomy is a standard treatment for localized prostate cancer.
• Robotic surgery adoption in Romania has expanded indications to locally advanced prostate cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).
• Assess outcomes 5 years after the first RARP intervention in Romania.

Main Methods:

• 207 RARPs performed between November 2009 and July 2014 using the da Vinci SI Surgical System.
• Prospective collection of perioperative data.
• Oncological and functional follow-up up to 55 months.

Main Results:

• High-risk patient stratification: 27.3%.
• Positive surgical margin rate: 21.1% overall (13.6% pT2, 32.1% pT3).
• Continence rate reached 93.7% at 55 months; sexual function restoration rate reached 53% at 55 months.
• Biochemical recurrence rate: 6.9%.

Conclusions:

• RARP is a viable minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer in Romania.
• Acceptable oncological and functional outcomes were achieved.
• Results are notable given lower early detection rates in Romania compared to other European countries.