Salvage robotic prostatectomy and high risk disease: what else can we do?

Excerpt

Salvage robotic radical prostatectomy (SRALP) is known for managing more high risk disease. This is a treatment option for biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer [1]. Failure of non-surgical primary treatment for localized disease has rates ranging from 20 to 60 % [2]. This is an uncommonly performed procedure, due to the technical challenges involved [1]. SRALP is associated with high complication rates for rectal injury, urinary leak anastomotic stricture and incontinence [3]. This leads to distorted anatomy and difficulty with tissue-planes [3]. As a result, more extensive dissection is required. This leads to a higher rate of complications. Given the advances within robotics, this next question should robotic surgery be considered for high risk prostate cancer and what are the technical tips? …