title: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: initial experience of robotic surgery in Taiwan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence of prostate cancer is lower in Taiwan compared to Europe and North America. Only a few urologists have been trained to perform laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (LRP). The initial experience of robotic LRP in Taiwan is reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four patients with localized prostate carcinomas underwent robotic LRP between November 2004 and December 2006. Data collection included basic demographics, prostate specific antigen (PSA), stages, Gleason scores, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), catheterization time, pathology, complications and return of continence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operative time was 310 minutes, the mean EBL was 234 mL and the average urethral catheterization time was 7.1 days. Three patients had a total of three complications. Continence was 20.8% at one week, 59.1% at six weeks and 75% at three months postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our initial experience with robotic LRP indicated that the procedure was safe and effective. Six case experiences were required to establish a standard operating procedure. Eighteen operations were needed to complete the learning curve and achieve stable results.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Sheng-Tang
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Ke-Hung
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Tsui
authors.forename: Shou-Hung
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Dai-Lung
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Char
authors.forename: Dah-Shyong
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Chung-Yran
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.forename: Sun-Yran
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Hong-I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Guang-Huan
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods