Summary and Introduction
Summary
Open retropubic radical prostatectomy is the gold standard treatment for localised prostate cancer. However, the procedure has inherent morbidity associated to it. Therefore, less invasive surgical techniques have been sought, one such alternative is robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The advantages provided by robotic technology have the potential to minimise patient morbidity while improving both functional and oncological outcomes. Although it is a recent technological advancement, robotic surgery has shown an increasing rate of adoption worldwide. Currently more than 30,000 patients have undergone this procedure worldwide. We present a review of the available literature on robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Introduction
In the USA, approximately 77,000 radical prostatectomies are performed yearly for the treatment of prostate cancer. The gold standard for treatment is open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) which has demonstrated a reduction in disease-specific mortality for patients with localised prostate cancer.[1] However, this treatment option is invasive and can potentially lead to significant morbidity. Therefore, patients and surgeons alike have sought out less invasive surgical options. One alternative is robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP).
Int J Clin Pract. 2007;61(2):309-314. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing
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