Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy for severe benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To validate the feasibility of robot-assisted simple retropubic prostatectomy (RSP) for men with severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (>80 g).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was not sought for this series. Men were offered RSP by two surgeons with a combined experience of >350 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies. The RSP replicated previously published robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Postoperative management consisted of continuous bladder irrigation and closed suction pelvic drainage without suprapubic catheterization.

RESULTS: A total of nine men were treated. Indications for RSP included urinary retention in three patients, failed medical management in eight patients, and refusal of medical management in one. Average age was 68 years, mean prostate-specific antigen level was 17.4 ng/mL, and the average preoperative gland size (height-width-length volume) was 136.5 g (range 86-265 g). No operative or immediate postoperative complications occurred, and no transfusions were needed. Average blood loss, operative time, and console time were 206 mL, 183 minutes, and 147 minutes, respectively. Average pathologic adenoma volume was 112 g (range 53-220 g). Average hospitalization time and catheterization time were 32 hours and 13 days, respectively. The mean preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score was 17.8 compared with 7.77 at 6 months postoperatively (P=0.0096, 95% CI 2.83 - 17.40), with a mean follow-up time of 9.25 months. The mean Sexual Health Inventory for Men score was 12.7 preoperatively compared with 12.5 postoperatively (P=0.74, 95% confidence interval - 6.66-9.16). Persistent, severe urinary incontinence (4-6 pads per day) occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS: RSP is safe and reproducible when performed by experienced robotic surgeons and provides similar benefits to those associated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. In our limited experience, hemostasis was markedly decreased when compared with the open technique. Further investigation is necessary before widespread application of RSP.