Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

The radical prostatectomy has been modified over the years. With the introduction to the modern operating room of robots and other tools has come the latest modification: the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), first described almost 10 years ago. In the past 2 years, the technique of LRP has been made standard, reproducible, and efficient. The LRP virtually eliminates the physical and emotional toll of radical prostate surgery and reduces blood loss, hospital time, and cost. Published series demonstrate oncologic and functional results comparable with and perhaps better than what is seen with open radical prostatectomy. The LRP is a standard surgical technique in a growing number of medical centers, with world experience estimated at 500 cases. The LRP offers the urologic community a rare opportunity for tangibly improving care.