Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Functional result. Part I.

Abstract

Robot-assisted operations as widely used in urology, gynecology, general and cardiovascular surgery are considered by many experts as a new 'gold standard' of surgical treatment of various diseases in developed countries. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer is the most common robotic procedure. Better functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy are due to another (new) understanding of pelvic surgical anatomy, new approach implying dissection and preservation of external urethral sphincter and neurovascular structures. Prostate neuroanatomy, various approaches to preserve neurovascular structures and own experience of nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with functional results are reviewed in the article.