Is Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy Better Than Traditional Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy?: An Analysis of Peri-Operative Morbidity in Two Contemporary Series in Italy

Objective: To compare morbidity in two groups of patients who underwent retropubic or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the same period. Patients and Methods: The clinical and pathological data obtained in 50 consecutive patients who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) from January 2001 to December 2001 were compared to those obtained in 71 consecutive patients who were treated in the same year by extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). The two groups were comparable in terms of mean pre-operative PSA and biopsy Gleason score. The peri-operative data included operative time, intra-operative and post-operative transfusion rates, complication rates, hospitalization length, and duration of catheterization. The following pathological parameters were considered: Gleason score, pathological stage, and positive surgical margin rate. A comparative evaluation of continence recovery (no pads and any leakage) was made only in patients with follow-up longer than 12 months. Results: The two groups were comparable in terms of pathological stage and definitive Gleason score. Operating times were significantly shorter in RRP ( p