Robotic radical prostatectomy: The new gold standard

Objectives: Open radical prostatectomy (RP) has been the standard and primary treatment for focal prostate cancer. However, in recent years this view has changed, as robot-assisted laparoscopic RP has gained acceptance among urologists. In this review we evaluate the importance and place of robotics in laparoscopic urological surgery, discussing several techniques that are currently being used and potentially new techniques that might be used in the future.

Methods: We systematically reviewed papers published between 1998 and 2011 using the keywords ‘robotic prostatectomy’ ‘gold standard’ and the Medline database. In addition, after selecting relevant reports we searched ‘related citations’ of the documents to find further supporting published papers.

Results: In all, 50 original papers were identified using the search criteria; we also found 28 through ‘related citations’ browsing. Papers were selected according to their relevance to the current topic (i.e. RP, original articles) and incorporated into this review. These papers were used for their information on the advantages of using robotics, as well as innovative ideas being used in the field of robotic urological surgery.

Conclusion: Almost a decade after the first robotic RP many reports show the benefits and advantages of incorporating robotics into urological surgery. Robotic surgery decreases the learning curve necessary for surgeons when compared with laparoscopic techniques. In addition, patients prefer robotics, as the procedure is less invasive, diminishes the duration of hospitalisation and speeds the return to function.