2008 Annual Meeting Abstracts
Outcomes Analysis of Open Versus Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Single Surgeon Experience
Jonathan P Jarow, Jeffrey Piacitelli*, Bruce J Trock*
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Introduction: The current study presents functional outcomes of robotic prostatectomy compared to a contemporaneous group and historical group undergoing open surgery.
Methods: Three groups undergoing radical prostatectomy were followed for 1 year: A contemporaneous group of consecutive patients undergoing RRP New (131) and RALP (129) as well as a historic group of patients undergoing RRP Old (148). Pre- and postoperative clinical parameters were compared.
Results: There was no difference in all preoperative clinical and postoperative pathological parameters. Although the EBL was lower for the Robotic group, the transfusion rate was the same for all three groups. The return of urinary continence was best for the RRP New group; there was no difference between RRP Old and Robotic. The return of erectile function was best for the Robotic group; there was no difference between RRP Old and Robotic. The complication rates and biochemical failure rates were similar for all groups.
Conclusions: There are more similarities than differences between open and robotic prostatectomy in almost every outcome measure. Since the outcomes are more dependent on the skill of the surgeon rather than an inherent difference in the technique, the choice between the two should be predicated upon patient and physician preference. 
