A Randomized Controlled Study of Robot-Assisted versus 3D Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in Patients with...

A prospective randomized comparative study was performed from 1st January 2020 to 30th June 2021. All patients included were diagnosed with localized/locally advanced ca prostate. 60 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized into 2 groups. Groups A and B included patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and 3D laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy, respectively. Various demographic, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up parameters were collected. Outcomes were evaluated in the form of the trifecta (continence, potency, and BCR-free status) and pentafecta rates (trifecta with no perioperative complications and negative surgical margins) in between the two groups.

The mean operative time in Group A was 137.83 mins ± 17.27 compared to 148.20 mins ± 26.16 in Group B. Trifecta rates in Group A and Group B were 43.3%, 63.3%, and 76.6% and 40%, 53.3%, and 70% at 1, 3, and 6 months. Pentafecta rates in Group A and Group B were 36.6%, 53.3%, and 70% and 33.3%, 40%, and 53.3% at 1, 3, and 6 months. Complication rates were 10% in Group A and 13.3% in Group B, respectively. Only one patient in our study (Group B) had a positive surgical margin.

We conclude from our comparative study, that both robot-assisted and 3D laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy are feasible and efficacious treatment modalities for achieving acceptable trifecta and pentafecta rates in managing ca prostate with earlier continence and shorter urethrovesical anastomosis time in the robotic arm.