Transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy on postoperative hepatic and...

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of two approaches of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). The first approach was pneumoperitoneum via transperitoneal (TP-RALP), and the second approach was extraperitoneal (EP-RALP) on visceral function. We aimed to provide clinical evidence for the perioperative safety with RALP and to help the surgical team choose an appropriate approach for those with hepatic or renal insufficiency.

One hundred and fifty-seven eligible prostate cancer patients from 2015 to 2019 were included in this study. The postoperative related laboratory tests were compared between transperitoneal and extraperitoneal. The primary endpoint was hepatic and renal function. We also evaluate the intraoperative amount of bleeding, the length of postoperative hospital stays, the occurrence of postoperative complications (lymphatic leakage, bleeding, and infection), and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

Postoperative total bilirubin and bound bilirubin in both groups were significantly increased, while total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, and uric acid were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The total protein, albumin, and globulin are significantly higher in the EP-RALP group than in the TP-RALP group (P<0.05) postoperatively. There are no statistical differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine clearance (CCR) between these two groups, postoperatively.

RALP had a significant effect on hepatic function after both TP-RALP and EP-RALP approaches, while the latter showed a lesser extent. Our results suggested that pneumoperitoneal pathways have significant effects on protein consumption. Thus, we should require a more cautious choice of surgical approaches when it comes to patients with impaired hepatic function or under risk of hepatic malfunction.