Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: an objective assessment and review of the literature.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) has become an accepted treatment option for men with prostate cancer. A search of the available literature through January 2006 was performed to analyze the surgical technique, outcomes data, and other unique issues regarding RLRP. While prospective, randomized trials and long-term data are lacking, short-term data from single institution series have demonstrated outcomes for RLRP that appear to be equivalent to those for open radical prostatectomy (ORP). Although not yet proven, some encouraging data suggest that RLRP may be able to achieve improved cancer control, postoperative urinary control, and erectile function compared to open surgery for prostate cancer. Definite advantages of RLRP over ORP are not yet established. Future studies will determine the role of RLRP in the surgical treatment of men with prostate cancer.