A comparative analysis of robotic prostatectomy techniques post TURP/HOLEP: retzius-sparing vs. non-retzius...

We evaluated the perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of Retzius-sparing and conventional non-Retzius-sparing robotic radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP and NRS-RARP) in the patients with a prior history of transurethral resection and enucleation of prostate (Post TURP/HOLEP).

A total of 47 patients who had at least completed one year of follow-up after robotic radical prostatectomy and had a prior TURP/HOLEP were included in this retrospective analysis. The clinico-demographic data, perioperative parameters such as mean operating time, blood loss, mean hospital stay, complications as per Clavien-Dindo grading, and readmission were evaluated. Continence, potency, and biochemical recurrence were assessed to check the functional and oncological outcomes.

There was no significant difference in mean age, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, D-Amico risk stratification, preoperative PSA level and positive cores in TRUS-guided biopsy. The console time and blood loss were significantly less in the RS-RARP group (91.6 ± 24.2 vs. 128.9 ± 38.7 min vs. 110.3 ± 57.5 vs. 152.9 ± 64.9 ml, p = 0.0002 and p = 0.02, respectively). The complication rate, mean postoperative catheter duration, lymph nodes, readmission rates, final histopathology, and invasion status were similar in both groups. Continence achieved at 1,3,6,9 and 12-month follow-up was significantly more in the RS-RARP group (90% vs. 64.7% at 12-month; p = 0.01). The potency rates in nerve-sparing cases at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups were similar. Margin positivity rates and Biochemical recurrence were comparable and statistically insignificant in both groups.

Retzius-sparing RARP had less console time, less intraoperative blood loss and better continence recovery in both immediate and at 12-month follow-up. The potency, biochemical recurrence and margin status in both approaches were similar.