Journal of endourology
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Journal of endourology · Aug 2012
Comparative Study Clinical TrialRobot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy versus open: comparison of the learning curve of a single surgeon.
Because of the increased use of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) for the management of localized prostate cancer, surgeons in training face the issues of developing skills in both open surgery and the robotic console. This study compares prospectively the safety and efficacy of the first 50 open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) procedures and the first 50 RALP procedures, performed by the same surgeon in the same institution. ⋯ The early learning curve for RALP appears safe and results in equivalent functional and oncologic outcome, when compared with the results of open surgery.