DaVinci robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: Benefit for obese men? - A matched-pair analysis - Abstract

BACKGROUND: Open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in obese patients (BMI ≥30) is associated with increased perioperative morbidity.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible benefit of DaVinci robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RARP) compared to RRP in obese patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 255 patients with a localized prostate cancer (PCa) and BMI ≥30 treated with radical prostatectomy from January 2009 to December 2011. To adjust for risk factors of increased perioperative morbidity (nerve-sparing, pelvic lymph node dissection, prostate volume), a propensity score-based matching was performed between RRP and RARP (n=115 each group). Both groups were compared by taking into consideration histopathological outcomes as well as peri- and postoperative (30 days) morbidity.

RESULTS: There were no differences in histopathological characteristics (pT/pN-stage, Gleason score, R-stage; all p>0.05) in both groups. Mean blood loss (276 ml vs. 937 ml), transfusion rate (0.9% vs. 8.7%) and 30-day complications according to the Clavien classification system (Clavien ≥ 2; 9.5% vs. 22.6%) were decreased in RARP (all p< 0.05). In a multivariate logistic regression model, RARP vs. RRP was associated with a significantly reduced risk of a Clavien ≥ 2 complication during follow-up (OR 0.3; p= 0.0047). Recovery of continence was significantly better for RARP patients after 3 months (p= 0.02). There was no difference in erectile function 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: Our findings of decreased transfusion and complication rates and a trend of better early recovery of continence in RARP should be considered in obese patients (BMI >30) scheduled for radical prostatectomy.

Written by:
Beyer B, Kühne K, Böhm K, Schiffmann J, Heinzer H, Michl U, Huland H, Graefen M, Haese A, Steuber T.   Are you the author?
Martini-Klinik Hamburg, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland.

Reference: Urologe A. 2014 Sep 13. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1007/s00120-014-3589-y


PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25214312

Article in German.

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