Perioperative Complications of Single-Port and Multiport Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Single Institutional Comparison Analysis

Abstract

Background:

Following its introduction in 2018, the Single-Port (SP) robotic platform has been increasingly utilized for various approaches of robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP). Despite the demonstrable benefits in enhancing postoperative outcomes, there has been limited evidence on its perioperative morbidity, especially when compared to the gold-standard multiport (MP). This study sought to compare the perioperative morbidity between SP and MP-RARP.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on 911 patients who underwent RARP between January 2015 and May 2023. At our institution, SP-RARP has been performed since October 2018 with Extraperitoneal and Transvesical (TV) techniques. To reduce the risk of selection bias, only MP-RARP cases performed before October 2018 were included. Baseline clinicodemographic and perioperative parameters were collected. Perioperative complications were classified in accordance to the Clavien–Dindo system with postoperative complications and readmission reported within 90 days of surgery. Statistical analysis was performed with R Packages for Statistical Computing with descriptive statistics as presented.

Results:

Of the 484 SP and 322 MP-RARP cases included in our analysis, one intraoperative complication was reported, which pertained to a small enterotomy during TV SP-RARP. Postoperative complications were identified in 14.5% and 14.6% of SP and MP-RARP cases (p = 0.989), respectively. Major complication represents 4.1% of the SP and 3.4% of MP cohorts. The 90-day rates of hospital readmission following SP and MP-RARP were 5.6% and 4.9%, respectively (p = 0.717). Limitations of this study included the retrospective single surgeon, single institution nature of our series that also included the early learning curve experience associated with the novel SP platform.

Conclusion:

This comparative study provided evidence highlighting the low rates of perioperative complication and readmission following SP-RARP that were comparable to the Transperitoneal MP approach. The low morbidity associated with SP-RARP supports its wider application as an addition to the contemporary minimally invasive surgical armamentariums for prostate cancer.