Technique of laparoscopic (endoscopic) radical prostatectomy

During the last decade laparoscopy has become a standard technique available to the urologist, through constant technological advances and refinements. The progress of laparoscopic/endoscopic techniques allows the indications for this surgery to include complex oncological procedures like radical prostatectomy. Since the first description of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in the early 1990s the technique has undergone significant technical modifications. Transperitoneal LRP is now a standard procedure and can be used successfully and reproducibly, giving results comparable with those from the open retropubic procedure. Despite many advantages, transperitoneal laparoscopy is associated with potential intraperitoneal complications. Because of the limitations inherent in the transperitoneal route, a totally extraperitoneal endoscopic radical prostatectomy (EERPE) has been developed. The totally extraperitoneal endoscopic access provides a safe and minimally invasive approach to various urological procedures, including prostatectomy. This technical improvement completely obviates intra-abdominal complications. EERPE combines the advantages of minimally invasive laparoscopy and the open retropubic approach. We review the surgical techniques of LRP and EERPE, and highlight the indications, contraindications and outcomes.