Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy--an analysis of factors affecting operating time.

Objectives: Although laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is accomplished within 2 to 3 hours by experienced surgeons, less is known about the operating times (OTs) for recently trained surgeons or the influence of additional factors. As of November 2001 at our institution, two senior surgeons had each performed more than 100 cases of LRP and two junior surgeons had each performed fewer than 30. We prospectively studied the next 100 consecutive LRPs to assess the factors influencing the OT.

Positive margins after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a prospective study of 100 cases performed by 4 different surgeons.

Objective: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) has been refined by experienced surgeons into a competitive treatment alternative for localized prostate cancer. Less is known, however, about the outcomes of "learning curve" cases from newly trained surgeons. We prospectively studied 100 cases of LRP performed by 2 senior and 2 junior surgeons and addressed the rates of positive margins-an important early endpoint of oncologic efficacy.