Prospective evaluation of concomitant lymphadenectomy in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Preliminary analysis of outcomes

Background and Purpose: Lymph-node staging is important in many patients with prostate cancer, as it influences adjuvant treatment and prognosis. However, lymphadenectomy adds to the operating time, cost, and potential for complications. Herein, we compared the effects of concomitant lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Patients and Methods: Data were collected prospectively on 145 consecutive RARPs. Patients were evaluated in two groups. Group I was patients who underwent RARP and concomitant lymphadenectomy (LAD)(N = 40), and group II consisted of patients who underwent RARP only (N = 105). Operative time (OT), length of hospital stay (LOS), estimated blood loss (EBL), cost, and complications were compared in the two groups. Results: The mean number of lymph nodes removed per patient in group I was 14.08 (range 9-24). Lymphnode metastases were detected in 2 (5%) of the patients. There were no statistically significant differences in LOS, EBL, OT, operative charges, or hospital charges in the two groups. However, the mean OT increased 9.3% when LAD was performed. At a mean follow-up of 14.8 months (range 3-32 months), 16 complications had been observed in the entire series of patients (11.03%). According to the Clavien system, there were eight grade I complications, seven grade II complications, and one grade III complication. Four complications occurred in group I (10%) and 12 in group II (11.4%). There were no lymphoceles or deep venous thromboses (DVTs) in group I. Cost analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: There was no significant impact of concomitant lymphadenectomy on LOS, EBL, charges, or complications when RARP was performed. Although the difference was not statistically significant, the OT will be slightly longer, as an additional procedure is being performed.