Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy a review of the literature and comparison with open techniques

Background: The development of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) has been one of the surgical advances in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. The procedure aims to combine the advantages of minimal access surgery with resection based on established oncological principles with cure rates and functional results that are at least comparable to open radical prostatectomy (ORP). Objectives: This review compares the advantages and disadvantages of the LRP to the ORP with regard to the real benefits to the patient. The impact on the urological practice was also addressed by the review. Methods: A comprehensive literature review of the published series/cases of both open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was performed. Results: LRP is a feasible and reproducible procedure for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Although its technique is standardized, LRP is technically demanding and it takes longer time than ORP. Conclusion: The current published results of LRP show no advantages over that of the ORP. If long-term data shows better results in terms of functional and oncological outcomes, LRP may challenge or even replace the standard ORP in the treatment of localized prostate cancer.