Breaking barriers in robotic surgery: Efficiency and safety of a low-cost, single-port extraperitoneal robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.
- Author:
Rajiv H. KALBIT
1
;
Enrique Ian S. LORENZO
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article, Original
- Keywords: Robotic Surgery; Single-port; Radical Prostatectomy; Cost-effective Innovation; Extraperitoneal Approach
- MeSH: Human; Prostatectomy; General Surgery; Prostatic Neoplasms
- From: Philippine Journal of Urology 2025;35(2):81-87
- CountryPhilippines
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
The increasing demand for cost-effective surgical techniques has driven innovations in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). While single-port robotic surgery reduces invasiveness and improves cosmesis, its widespread use is limited by high costs and technical constraints. This study evaluates the safety, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of extraperitoneal single-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (espRARP) using a modified Da Vinci Si HD system, employing a wound protector and surgical glove as a low-cost multi-channel laparoscopic port.
METHODSTen patients with localized prostate cancer underwent espRARP using a three-arm Da Vinci Si system and side docking to enhance instrument access. A homemade multi-channel port was constructed using an Alexis® wound protector and surgical gloves. Perioperative outcomes—including operative time, blood loss, complications and oncologic results were analyzed descriptively.
RESULTSAll cases were completed without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 215.8 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 200 mL. No positive surgical margins were recorded, and 20% of patients exhibited pathological upgrading. The average hospital stay was 3.4 days. One patient developed a Clavien–Dindo II complication; no major complications occurred
LIMITATIONSThis pilot study is limited by its small sample size (n = 10), single-surgeon, single institution design, short follow-up period, and absence of functional outcome assessment. Only descriptive analysis was performed without statistical comparison.
CONCLUSIONThe modified espRARP technique using a low-cost glove-port and three-arm Da Vinci Si system is safe, feasible and cost-efficient. Comparable perioperative and oncologic outcomes to conventional multi-port and proprietary single-port systems were achieved at a fraction of the cost. This approach provides a practical and accessible alternative for robotic prostatectomy in resource-limited healthcare settings.
