Mini-lap Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

For treatment of localized prostate cancer, technical improvements in the nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy have been achieved with the mini-lap retropubic prostatectomy. This procedure requires a small 7 to 8 cm incision rather than an incision three times that length. The mini-lap also uses a new retractor system that functions as a robot so there is no need for a second surgical assistant. Extensive experience with this operation has been developed over the past few years.

More than 1,000 Emory patients have undergone mini-lap radical retropubic prostatectomys (RRP) for clinically localized prostate cancer. Most of these patients are hospitalized for two to three days, and most report mimimal pain following discharge. These patients reported continence rates of 90 to 95 percent and potency rates of 66 to 75 percent.

The mini-lap RRP takes less time to perform than the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, with the same discomfort and length of hospital stay as the RRP. But a reduction in bowel and abdominal problems has been reported. Potency rates have not yet been well defined in most of the laparoscopic series The Emory University urology department continues to explore this new laparoscopic approach, but Emory experts believe the mini-lap RRP compares favorably to the standard radical open prostatectomy, the perineal prostatectomy, and the laparoscopic prostatectomy.