Open versus robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: which is better?

Abstract

Over the last decade there has been a changing trend in technique for radical prostatectomy from open surgery to minimally invasive robotic-assisted laparoscopic technology. This review evaluates the validity of this change by reviewing the current literature and comparing open radical retropubic prostatectomy to robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy shows equivalent and possibly better results when compared with radical retropubic prostatectomy with respect to intraoperative and postoperative parameters including continence, potency and quality of life. Time is still needed to determine long-term oncologic results, but initial findings are promising. This review supports the current trend in shifting the standard of care for radical prostatectomy from an open to a robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach.