Transvesical robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: initial experience and surgical outcomes

To describe in detail the techniques for transvesical robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using the da Vinci Si/Xi system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and to evaluate functional and oncological outcomes in 35 patients with prostate cancer.

Thirty-five patients with localized prostate cancer were enrolled for transvesical RARP. The patients' preoperative data (mean ± sd age 63.4 ± 8.1 years, body mass index 28.6 ± 5.3 kg/m² , total prostate-specific antigen 10.8 ± 4.9 ng/mL and prostate volume 30.6 ± 14.4 mL, and median [interquartile range {IQR}] biopsy Gleason score 6 [6-7], and International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]-5 score 18 [16-20]) were collected. Preoperative assessment revealed 28 cases of cT2a and seven cases of cT2b disease. All patients were continent preoperatively (defined as no pad required or one dry pad per day as a precaution). Surgical results and peri-operative complications were assessed. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months postoperatively.

The mean operating time was 150 ± 35 min. Estimated blood loss was 100 ± 45 mL. Urinary infection was noted in one patient and managed with levofloxacin. Another patient complained of nocturia on postoperative day 14, which was relieved with solifenacin succinate. Urethral catheters were removed on postoperative day 7. Thirty-two patients achieved immediate urinary continence, with three patients returning to full continence on postoperative day 14. Postoperative pathology confirmed 24 pT2a cases, nine pT2b cases and two pT2c cases (median [IQR] Gleason score 6 [6-7]). Positive surgical margins were found in four patients (11.4%). No urethral stricture or urinary leakage was noted on urethrocystography taken 3 months after surgery. Urodynamic studies were performed preoperatively and 6 months after surgery: median (IQR) maximum urinary flow 12.2 (10.2-14.9) vs 13.7 (10.1-15.0) mL/s; bladder capacity 385.3 (351.3-410.2) vs 370.2 (330.1-395.4) mL; and voiding phase detrusor contractility 38.5 (27.8-42.3) vs 35.6 (28.3-41.3) mmH₂ O, respectively. During a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, no biochemical recurrence was noted in any patient. The median (IQR) IIEF-5 score was 17 (16-19).

The transvesical approach is a valid alternative to RARP in selected patients, providing promising postoperative urinary continence. Long-term functional and oncological results require further investigation.