A review based on expert opinions for robot-assisted simple prostatectomy for large benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE

Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) is increasingly used as a surgical treatment option for large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (>80 mL). However, there is no sufficient expert consensus or guidelines to guide clinical practice. We aimed to obtain expert opinions for RASP for large BPH.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed in April 2024 using the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Search terms were combined to construct the following search strings: (robotic) AND (simple OR benign) AND (prostatectomy). Search results were filtered by language (English only), species (human), and publication type (original article). This study used a two-phase modified Delphi approach.

RESULTS

In this expert consensus, some frequently used RASP techniques, including robot-assisted retropubic prostatectomy, robot-assisted transvesical prostatectomy, and robot-assisted urethra-sparing prostatectomy, are described. RASP offers a short learning curve for surgeons with experience in robotic surgery. Severe complications are rare in patients who undergo RASP.

CONCLUSION

RASP technique can be recommended as a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic BPH patients with large prostate glands.