Robots may become more commonly used to assist surgeons with a prostatectomy following a study led by Australian researchers.
In a world first trial, researchers from the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Menzies Health Institute have found that robotic-assisted prostatectomy is providing the same outcomes for urinary and erectile function as open prostatectomy.
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Urologist Dr Nigel Dunglison said the study examined surgery outcomes for around 300 Australian men over a two-year period.
He said there had been very little research until now comparing long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted prostatectomy and open prostatectomy.
"Our study showed similar results for urinary and erectile function from both the robot-assisted and open surgical patient groups after 12 weeks, and these remained equal at six, 12 and 24 months," he said.
"This study has given us vital insight into the two surgical options, and will help shape further research going forward."
"We recommend that funding organisations, health care institutions and practitioners embrace minimally invasive technologies, and high quality training is provided for surgeons to ensure patients receive the best form of care."
Dr Dunglison said the study indicated men who underwent a robotic prostatectomy had a lower biochemical PSA recurrence after two years, however, the reason for this was not specifically studied and more research is needed to understand why.
Menzies Health Institute Queensland director Professor Suzanne Chambers said one in five participants reported elevated psychological distress 24 months after surgery.
"Unexpectedly, the study also showed that psychological distress remained high for one in five men throughout the study period and was not influenced by surgery type," Ms Chambers said.
