LAUSR

Experts’ summary: Yaxley et al report early results from the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing outcomes for robotic and open surgery in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). More than 150 patients were included in each group, with operations performed by two surgeons experienced in each modality (robotic surgeon >200 cases; open surgeon >1500 cases). No differences were found in rates of postoperative complications, positive surgical margins, urinary continence, sexual function, and quality of life within 12 wk. Patients who underwent robotic surgery had less bleeding and faster recovery. With the exception of the last two parameters, the authors concluded that robotic and open radical prostatectomy had equivalent early outcomes and that longer followup may reveal further differences.