Single-port transvesical laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for organ-confined prostate cancer: technique and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To report a novel technique for performing single-port transvesical laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (STLRP) and to evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes in 16 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 16 consecutive patients with clinical stage T1-2aN0M0 were scheduled for STLRP, and their continence and erectile status were investigated preoperatively. The patients' mean age was 62 years, mean prostate volume 42 mL and mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 7.5 ng/mL. The STLRP procedures were performed by a single surgeon, and all the operating procedures were conducted transvesically and laparoscopically. Intra-operative and postoperative complications, assessed according to the modified Clavien system, were recorded and peri-operative and functional outcome data were analysed. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months postoperatively through PSA detection, daily pads, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-6 score and urography.

RESULTS

All of the 16 STLRP procedures were successfully completed. The mean (range) operation duration was 105 (75-180) min, and the mean (range) estimated blood loss was 130 (75-500) mL. No patients had positive surgical margins. Postoperative complications occurred in five patients, including three cases of urinary infection and two cases of haematuria (grade II). Catheters were removed after a mean (range) time of 11.2 (9-14) days with cystography. The mean (range) hospital stay was 12.7 (10-15) days. Of the 16 patients, 13 were immediately continent (0 pads/day), and three had mild incontinence (2-3 pads/day) after catheter removal. All patients were observed as continent 3 months postoperatively. In total, 10/16 and 12/16 patients achieved a satisfactory erection at 6 and 12 months follow-up postoperatively, respectively, with an IIEF-6 score ≥ 18. The mean postoperative PSA levels at 3, 6 and 12 months were 0.015 ng/mL, 0.017 ng/mL and 0.016 ng/mL, respectively. No patients were identified with biochemical recurrence in this series. No patients demonstrated vesico-urethral stricture during follow-up for 12-24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that STLRP is technically feasible for patients with low-risk organ-confined prostate cancer and demonstrates promising functional outcomes regarding continence and potency.