Transverse Versus Vertical Camera Port Incision for Patient Satisfaction After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

The aim of the present study was to compare patient satisfaction after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) between transverse and vertical camera port incisions, as assessed by wound pain and camera port-related health-related quality of life.

This prospective observational study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent RARP, divided into a transverse incision group (n = 57) and a vertical incision group (n = 43). The primary outcome measure was incisional pain at the camera port used for specimen extraction on postoperative Day 7. Secondary outcome measures included wound satisfaction, particularly at the camera port, assessed using the Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS-59).

The number of patients who reported wound pain on postoperative Day 7 was significantly higher in the transverse group (n = 11, 19.2%) than in the vertical group (n = 1, 2.3%) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in total DAS-59 scores between the two groups (p = 0.44). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 9.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-188.8; p < 0.01) and incision type (OR, 11.1; 95% CI, 1.7-219.7; p < 0.007) as factors independently associated with wound pain.

In RARP, vertical camera port incisions were associated with less postoperative wound pain and comparable wound satisfaction during the early postoperative period. From the perspective of surgical invasiveness, a vertical camera port incision may therefore be recommended for RARP.