Robot-assisted or pure laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy: What is the optimal procedure for the surgical margins? A single center experience

Objectives:  To compare positive surgical margin rates after robot-assisted and pure laparoscopic radical prostatectomy when neurovascular bundles are preserved, and to identify parameters affecting surgical margin status. Methods:  From March 2004 to January 2009, 279 consecutive prostatectomies with preservation of neurovascular bundles were carried out by the same surgeon: 175 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies and 104 laparoscopic radical prostatectomies. An intraperitoneal Montsouris's technique was used for all cases. Patient's age, body mass index, prostate weight, prostate-specific antigen level, clinical stage, preoperative and postoperative Gleason score, percentage of positiv…