The daVinci robot - the best thing since sliced bread? (#4)
Radical prostatectomy remains an important established management option for early prostate cancer. Discussion continues regarding indications, particularly for low and high risk disease. A major concern remains the potential long term morbidity with surgery, particularly sexual and urinary function.
Robotic prostatic surgery has been widely adopted world- wide, including in many Australian urological centres. Experience has been recorded in large case series with limited level 1 comparative evidence assessing outcomes in comparison with open radical prostatectomy. Robotic surgery has been promoted as having significant benefits, despite limited evidence to this time.
This discussion aims to objectively evaluate and discuss the evidence to date regarding this issue. Is it really the best thing since sliced bread?