Favorable Impact on Postoperative Abdominal Symptoms in Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Using Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Moreover, this study focused on postoperative abdominal symptoms and compared the perioperative parameters between the ERAS and conventional groups in RARP patients. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 37 consecutive prostate cancer patients who underwent RARP between January 2020 and September 2021. The ERAS and conventional protocols were received by 16 and 20 patients, respectively, excluding one patient with surgical complications. Results: The incidence and cumulative frequency of postoperative abdominal distention were significantly lower in the ERAS group (p=0.041 and p=0.039, respectively). Although not significant, the first flatus and defecation time tended to be shorter in the ERAS group (p=0.115 and p=0.074, respectively). Conclusion: The ERAS protocol contributes to the reduction in postoperative abdominal distension for patients undergoing RARP.