Robotic Prostatectomy Has a Superior Outcome in Larger Prostates and PSA Density Is a Strong Predictor of Biochemical Recurrence

Abstract

Objectives. The aims of this study were to compare the outcomes of robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) between patients who had larger (≥75 g) and smaller (<75 g) prostates and to evaluate the performance of PSA density (PSAD) in determining the oncological outcome of surgery. Methods and Materials. 344 patients who underwent RALP at a single institution were included in the study. Preoperative risk factors and postoperative, oncological outcomes, erectile function, and continence status were recorded prospectively. Results. During a mean follow-up of 20 months, biochemical recurrence (PSA > 0.2) was observed in 15 patients (4.3%). Prostate size ≥75 g was associated with lower Gleason score on final pathology (P = 0.004) and lower pathological stage (P = 0.02) but an increased length of hospital stay (P = 0.05). PSAD on binary logistic regression independently predicted biochemical recurrence (BCR) when defined as postoperative PSA >0.1 (P = 0.001) and PSA >0.2 (P = 0.039). In both instances PSA was no longer a significant independent predictor. Conclusions. RALP in large prostates (≥75 g, <150 g) is as safe as RALP in smaller prostates and is associated with a lower pathological grade and stage. Higher PSAD is independently associated with BCR and is superior to PSA as a predictor of BCR after RALP.