Extraperitoneal approach robotic-assisted urethra-sparing simple prostatectomy for large-gland benign prostatic hyperplasia: initial experience

Objective To report our initial experience with extraperitoneal approach Robotic-Assisted Urethra-sparing simple prostatectomy(US-RASP)on large-gland (>100 ml) benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). Methods From August 2015 to April 2018, 32 patients with large volume prostate underwent US-RASP performed by single surgical team were retrospectively reviewed. The patient's median age was 73 (range 59-80) years, and median BMI was 24.9 (19.3-34.8 ) kg/m2, The estimated prostate volume(V), postvoid residual volume(PV) by transrectal ultrasonography and PSA were 152.0(119.0-223.1)ml, 145(0-280)ml and 13.7(5.2-27.3)ng/ml, respectively. Four of 32 patients underwent preoperative urinary catheterization. The perioperative functional parameters including international prostate symptom score (IPSS) questionnaire, maximum flow rate (Qmax), maximum voided volume(Vmax), quality of life questionnaires (QOL) and International Index of erectile function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) were 27(23-33), 5.9 (2.5-7.8) ml/s, 110 (80-210)ml, 5(3-6), and 27(26-29), respectively. Functional parameters including IPSS, QOL, Qmax, Vmax, PV and IIEF-EF were compared and analyzed at 3 and 12 months postoperatively during the following-up. Results The US-RASP was completed in all 32 patients and no open conversion. Median operation time was 180 (115-240) min, the estimated blood loss was 300(range 100 to 400)ml, Hemoglobin loss was 17(5-38)g/L. The median Foley catheterization time was 7 (5-12) days and drainage was removed after a median of 5 (4-7) days with median hospital stay of 8(6-14)days. Median specimen weight on pathological examination was 107.7 (79.8-147.4)g with median of 64.2% (49.4%-86.2%) resection ratio. At 3-mo follow-up, median IPSS score, Qmax, Vmax, PV and QOL were 6(4-18), 17.3 (13.8-21.1)ml/s, 167(140-310)ml, 50(0-61)ml, 1(0-3) , respectively. At 12-mo follow-up, median IPSS score, Qmax, Vmax, PV and QOL were 4(1-9), 20.1 (17.9-24.1)ml/s, 205(176-305)ml, 24(0-35)ml and 1(0-2) , respectively. All patients showed great improvement of IPSS, Qmax, Vmax, PV and QOL after median 17 (12-44) months follow-up compared with preoperative parameters (P<0.05). Erectile function was not impaired in 17 patients who have normal erectile function pre-operatively and 14 cases (82.4%) preserved satisfactory anterograde ejaculation. No significant complication occurred during the procedure. No patient developed permanent urinary incontinence. Conclusions US-RASP is a safe and effective treatment option for selected patients with large-gland obstructive BPH(>100 ml). Our data showed significant improvement in voiding function and maintaining satisfactory anterograde ejaculation following urethral-sparing technique. It may be a new alternative method in the future for large-volume symptomatic BPH. Key words: Prostatic hyperplasia; Prostatectomy; Robotic-assisted surgery; Extraperitoneal approach; Urethra-sparing