Purpose: We report our early experience of robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Material and Methods: Five consecutive patients, with an average age of 58 years, PSA 12, 1.6 positive biopsies, Gleason score 6, were operated in our institution over a period of 1 week by the same surgeon. A robotically assisted laparoscopic nerve sparing radical prostatectomy was performed according to the Montsouris technique with the Da Vinci robot (Intuitive Inc., Mountain View, Calif., USA). Results: The mean installation time was 93 min (range 76–149). The mean operating time (starting at the dissection of the seminal vesicles until the final stitch of the anastomosis) was 222 min (range 150–381 min). The average blood loss was 800 cm3 (range 700–1,600 cm3). No postoperative complications were seen. Bladder catheter time: 6.5 days, hospital stay 5.5 days, urine leak 1/5, continence 4/5, positive margin 1/5. Conclusion: After this short experience, we conclude that: The use of a tele manipulation system accompanied by a three–dimensional view of the operating field provides a real benefit for the surgeon, and the urethro–anastomosis is easier to perform. The benefit for the patient is presently not very clear in terms of operating time, postoperative course and functional results, our initial results show that the robotically assisted procedure is at least as safe and effective as the conventional laparoscopic procedure.

Keywords:
Laparoscopy, Radical prostatectomy, Robotic surgery
1.
Furukawa T, Wakabayashi G, Ozawa S, Watanabe M, Ohgami M, Kitagawa Y, Ishii S, Arisawa Y, Ohmori T, Nohga K, Kitajima M: Surgery using master–slave manipulators and telementoring. Nippon Geka Gakkai Zasshi 2000;101:293–298.
2.
Loulmet D, Carpentier A, d’Attellis N, Berrebi A, Cardon C, Ponzio O, Aupecle B, Relland JY: Endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting with the aid of robotic assisted instruments. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;118:4–10.
3.
Cadiere GB, Himpens J, Vertruyen M, Favretti F: The world’s first obesity surgery performed by a surgeon at a distance. Obes Surg 1999;9: 206–209.
4.
Kavoussi LR, Moore RG, Adams JB, Partin AW: Comparison of robotic versus human laparoscopic camera control. J Urol 1995;154: 2134–2136.
5.
Guillonneau B, Vallancien G: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: The Montsouris technique. J Urol 2000;163:1643–1649.
6.
Guillonneau B, Vallancien G: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: The Montsouris experience. J Urol 2000;163:418–422.
7.
Shennib H, Bastawisy A, McLoughlin J, Moll F: Robotic computer–assisted telemanipulation enhances coronoary artery bypass. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;117:310–313.
8.
Vallancien G: Robots and news reports: Fears of the year 2000. Presse Méd 1999;28:1073– 1074.
2001
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.