Does robotic assisted radical prostatectomy offer a minimally invasive advantage?
The simple answer is NO. Open radical prostatectomy is performed through a four inch midline incision that does not injure the abdominal muscles. Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy is performed via a total of five separate incisions that exceeds four inches in cumulative length. Outcomes study show that the robotic approach to radical prostatectomy offers no advantage as far as length of hospital stay, blood transfusion rates, pain, time required for the urinary catheter, and time to return to activities or work.
