Extraperitoneal versus Transperitoneal Single Port Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Comparative Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes

PURPOSE: We compared intraoperative and perioperative outcomes between extraperitoneal and transperitoneal radical prostatectomy performed using a "purpose-designed" single port robotic platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 98 patients underwent single port robotic prostatectomy using the da Vinci SP® robotic system with extraperitoneal (group I, 52) vs transperitoneal (group II, 46) approach. Demographics and perioperative data including postoperative recovery outcomes were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Groups were similar in terms of demographics and prostate cancer risk category. Mean operative time (201±37.5 vs 248.2±42.3 minutes, p <0.00001) as well as median postoperative hospital stay (4.3 vs 25.7 hours p <0.0001) was significantly shorter with the extraperitoneal approach. Overall need for pain medications or narcotics as well as the required amount of narcotics per patient (if administered) were significantly lower with the extraperitoneal approach. Extraprostatic extension was detected in 48.1% vs 41.3% of patients in groups I and II, respectively. Surgical margins were positive in 26.9% in group I vs 41.3% in group II (p=0.13). More than 80% of patients with positive surgical margins had high risk features on final surgical pathology. The 90-day continence rate was similar between the 2 groups (60% vs 62.5%, p=0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Extraperitoneal and transperitoneal single port robotic radical prostatectomy are safe and feasible approaches. The extraperitoneal approach is associated with a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay and decreased need for postoperative narcotics. Randomized trials with adequate sample size and postoperative followup are advisable for further evaluation of the outcomes to clarify patient selection criteria for each approach.