LINKING SINGLE-PORT EXTRAPERITONEAL ROBOT-ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY WITH SPORTS FITNESS AND ATHLETES

Abstract

Background: As the da Vinci robot system (S and Si models) remains predominant in global surgical settings, leveraging this equipment for single-port robot-assisted surgeries marks a significant focus in the field of minimally invasive surgery. This study investigates the application of these existing models for single-port extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (SP-RALP), assessing its efficacy and short-term outcomes in a sports and athlete-centered context. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 41 patients who underwent SP-RALP at the Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, from July 2019 to September 2020. The procedure utilized a single-port setup through a 100mm wound protection fixator, with operations performed using the da Vinci Si HD robot system. Perioperative data were meticulously collected and analyzed. Results: The study documented 41 procedures, with a median operation time of 155.9 minutes (range: 90-245 minutes) and median intraoperative blood loss of 53.9 ml (range: 20-150 ml). Postoperative recovery was swift, with median times of 5.7 days for drainage tube removal and 13.8 days for catheter removal. The median hospital stay was 5.2 days. Pathologically, 70.8% of patients were staged at pT2 postoperatively, with the remainder classified as pT3a (14.6%) and pT3b (14.6%). All patients were diagnosed with acinar adenocarcinoma. Urinary continence was regained within one-month post-operation in 26.8% of patients and within three months in 73.2%. Conclusion: The preliminary application of SP-RALP using the da Vinci Si system proves to be a feasible and safe approach for treating localized prostate cancer. Its benefits, such as minimal incision, ease of tissue sampling and abdominal closure, and rapid postoperative intestinal recovery, are particularly advantageous for athletes focused on minimizing recovery time and swiftly returning to training and competitive sports. Further research is required to validate these preliminary findings and explore the full scope of benefits for athletic rehabilitation and performance post-procedure.