Retzius-sparing Robotic Radical Prostatectomy for Surgeons in the Learning Curve: A Propensity Score-matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several authors claimed that the Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) needs a prolonged learning curve, and outcomes during this phase could be suboptimal. OBJECTIVE: To verify the safety and outcomes of RS-RARP performed by young surgeons during the learning curve. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the pre-, intra-, and postoperative features of all the patients who underwent RS-RARP from 2013 to 2017. We divided our patients into two groups: patients operated by two experienced surgeons (ESs) with >100 procedures and patients operated on by five younger surgeons in the learning curve (LCSs). LCSs had no previous experience in radical prostatectomy, and the very first RS-RARP procedures of each LCS case are included in the analysis. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Perioperative, oncological, and functional data were analyzed. Short-term oncological results were reported as positive surgical margins (PSMs) and 1-yr disease-free survival. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Potency was defined as erections sufficient for intercourse; continence was defined as no pad or one safety liner. A propensity score-matching analysis was used to adjust the difference in baseline preoperative parameters between the groups. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: We obtained two homogeneous groups of 256 patients each. After the matching, preoperative variables were similar in the two groups. The mean console time was longer for younger surgeons (98 vs 122 min, p < 0.001). Postoperative course, complications, and functional results were similar in the two groups; the final pathological analysis showed a worse T stage in the ES group (p = 0.017). PSMs and 1-yr disease-free survival did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: RS-RARP can be safely performed by inexperienced surgeons who have received adequate training. PATIENT SUMMARY: Surgeons in the learning curve can perform Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy safely, with similar early oncological results and functional outcomes.