OBJECTIVETo summarize our experience with extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP).

METHODSTwenty patients with confirmed prostate cancer by transrectal needle biopsy but no metastasis detected by radiographic examination underwent extraperitoneal RLRP, including 7 with Gleason score of less than 6, 10 with a score of 7, 2 with a score of 8, and 1 with a score of 9.

RESULTSThe procedures were performed successfully in all the patients. In 4 cases, a postoperative PSA value of more than 0.2 ng/ml at 4 weeks suggested residual tumor, for which maximal androgen block therapy was administered before elective radiotherapy. Sixteen patients were followed up for 10 to 37 months (mean 15.5 months). In the 20 cases, the operation was completed in a mean of 180 min (range 150-230 min), with the mean installation time of 48.5 min (range 40-60 min) and average blood loss of 298 ml (range 80-800 ml). The mean postoperative eating time was 1.7 days (1 to 3 days), the mean bladder catheter time was 10.7 days (7 to 14 days), and the mean hospital stay was 10.7 days (range 7-14 days). No postoperative complications occurred in these cases. Postoperative pathology showed a Gleason score no higher than 6 in 6 cases, 7 in 5 cases, and no less than 8 in 9 cases.

CONCLUSIONThe technique of extraperitoneal RLRP can be easily mastered by the surgeons and is especially advantageous for complicated pelvic operations.