Minimally Invasive Surgery: Study shows huge variance with RALP cost

Li-Ming Su, MDRobot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy effectiveness and cost, as welll as 3-D printed models, highlight the minimally invasive surgery discussions at this year's AUA meeting. The minimally invasive surgery take-home messages were presented by Li-Ming Su, MD, of the University of Florida, Gainesville.

A national hospital database analysis showed that the cost of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) varied tenfold, with hospital-related factors accounting for 30% of the variability and surgeon-specific factors for 20%.

Two studies of robot-assisted radical cystectomy showed higher cost and equivalent mid-term oncologic results compared with open cyst.

A retrospective review showed significantly faster recovery of potency after RALP with use of dehydrated amniotic/chorion human membrane but no difference in long-term potency.

Continuation of aspirin during robotic partial nephrectomy does not appear to be associated with higher overall bleeding complications.

  Robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for nonseminoma germ cell tumors was associated with less blood loss and shorter length of stay with no difference in oncologic outcomes as compared with open procedures.

Use of three-dimensional (3-D) printed prostate anatomy may improve surgeon understanding of the spatial relationship between tumor and prostate and assist in surgical decision-making, particularly decisions related to neurovascular bundle preservation in patients with extracapsular extension.

Use of 3-D printed patient-specific kidney tumor models may aid preoperative rehearsal, surgical planning, and resident training for kidney tumor resection.

More from Urology Times:

Kidney Ca: Cytoreductive nephrectomy appears to be protective

BPH: Current, forthcoming modalities show efficacy

Stone Disease: New AUA guide discusses SWL vs. URS