Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

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Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is a modern form of radical prostatectomy, an operation for prostate cancer. Contrasted with the original open form of the surgery, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy does not make a large incision. Instead, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is minimally invasive and relies on modern technologies, such as fiber optics and miniaturization. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is not a new treatment for prostate cancer. It is a modern form of the oldest treatment for prostate cancer.

The LRP manual, published in 1999, describes the technique by which the laparoscopic operation is done. It describes the instruments used and clarifies that LRP is laparoscopic, not laser, prostate surgery.

The laparoscopic and open forms of radical prostatectomy physically remove the entire prostate and reconstruct the urethra directly to the bladder. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and open radical prostatectomy differ in how they access the deep pelvis and generate operative views. In contrast to open radical prostatectomy, the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy makes no use of retractors and does not require that the abdominal wall be parted and stretched for the duration of the operation.

There is very little bleeding with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, as low as 50 ccs in some hands. Less bleeding means a more stable operative course and less need for transfusions; this in turn means less risk of such complications as allergic reactions and infections. It means less anemia, fatigue, and cardiovascular complications.

There is also very little pain because of the minimal nature of the physical access. In some hands the average analgesic use is two Tylenol in the first twenty four hours.

The American Cancer Society states that patient success with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is determined by surgeon experience and focus.

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