Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy for Severe Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract Purpose: To validate the feasibility of robot-assisted simple retropubic prostatectomy (RSP) for men with severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (>80 g). Patients and Methods: Institutional Review Board approval was not sought for this series. Men were offered RSP by two surgeons with a combined experience of >350 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies. The RSP replicated previously published robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Postoperative management consisted of continuous bladder irrigation and closed suction pelvic drainage without suprapubic catheterization. Results: A total of nine men were treated. Indications for RSP included urinary retention in three patients, failed medical management in eight patients, and refusal of medical management in one. Average age was 68 years, mean prostate-specific antigen level was 17.4 ng/mL, and the average preoperative gland size (height-width-length volume) was 136.5 g (range 86–265 g). No operative or immediate postoperative complications occurred, and ...