Return to work after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy versus radical retro-pubic prostatectomy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Prostate cancer treatment often involves surgery, impacting patients' return to work.
• Radical retro-pubic prostatectomy (RRP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) are common surgical approaches.
• Understanding the return-to-work interval (RTWI) is crucial for patient recovery and economic impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the RTWI between RRP and RALP for early-stage prostate cancer.
• To identify factors influencing RTWI after different surgical prostatectomy methods.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was mailed to 2,696 patients treated with RRP or RALP.
• Analyzable responses were obtained from 315 patients (137 RRP, 178 RALP).
• Statistical analysis, including multivariate regression, was used to compare RTWI.

Main Results:

• The median RTWI was significantly shorter for RALP (3 weeks) compared to RRP (4 weeks) (p = .016).
• Fewer RALP patients (23.6%) remained unable to work at 4 weeks post-surgery versus RRP patients (38.2%) (p = .010).
• Surgical approach (RALP vs. RRP) was an independent predictor of RTWI.

Conclusions:

• RALP is associated with a shorter RTWI than RRP for prostate cancer patients.
• The findings support RALP as a method that facilitates a quicker return to work.
• This suggests potential benefits of RALP in patient recovery and quality of life.