Versatility of 3D laproscopy for radical prostatectomy: A single tertiary cancer center experience

The objective of this study is to compare our institutional outcomes of 3D laparoscopic when compared with open radical prostatectomy in terms of functional and oncological outcomes.

This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy during the period January 2016 to September 2019 at our institute. Out of 49 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, 23 were done by open approach and 25 were operated by 3D laparoscopy. One patient was lost to follow-up and was excluded from the study. Data were collected from medical records, and functional evaluation was done by telephonic interview. Data analysis was done by SPSS software to calculate overall and disease-free survival.

Laparoscopic arm patients had lesser blood loss, postoperative pain, hospital stay and wound-related issues although they had a longer operating time. Functional outcomes in terms of erectile dysfunction and incontinence were almost similar in both open and 3D laparoscopic approach. No statistically significant difference was observed for overall survival or disease-free survival. All shortcomings with the laparoscopic arm were improved as our experience increased with 3D laparoscopic prostatectomy. The outcomes of 3D laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were comparable to previously published data of robotic radical prostatectomy.

3D LRP is a feasible technique with similar oncological or functional outcomes and better perioperative outcomes as compared to ORP. Being cost-effective and with comparable outcomes it is a suitable alternative to RRP in resource-limited settings.